Eisenhower Assesses Weather, Beach Obstacles, French Cooperation, and Allied Strategy Three Days Before D-Day (1944)

Date: June 3, 1944

Created By: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Original or Replica: Original

Era: D-Day and the Normandy Invasion, The General

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Pre-Presidential Papers, Box 137, Crusade In Europe (Documents) (3); NAID #12005079

This secret June 3, 1944 memorandum records General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s assessment of several critical issues facing the Allies immediately before the Normandy invasion. Eisenhower discusses difficulties coordinating with French leaders and resistance groups, particularly disagreements involving Charles de Gaulle and the political recognition of his movement. He stresses the need to resolve these disputes so the Allies could receive maximum French assistance during the invasion.

Eisenhower devotes particular attention to the unpredictable Normandy weather, explaining the enormous responsibility involved in deciding whether conditions were suitable for naval, airborne, and ground operations. He concludes that perfect conditions were unlikely and that the invasion should proceed during the next favorable tide unless the weather seriously deteriorated. He also evaluates German mines and beach obstacles, acknowledging their danger but expressing confidence that Allied firepower and specialized equipment could overcome them. Eisenhower predicts that Allied air superiority could restrict German counterattacks and help secure the beachhead. Finally, he considers future command arrangements after a successful landing, including separate American and British army groups under Generals Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery. Written only three days before D-Day, the memorandum reveals the military, political, and environmental uncertainties Eisenhower weighed as Supreme Allied Commander before launching Operation Overlord.