In preparation for the Normandy landings, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, as Supreme Allied Commander, delivered the following message to the troops (taken from the transcript of General Eisenhower's Order of the Day, 1944).
"Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force: You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together in Victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."