Eisenhower Calls on Allied Forces to Turn Back Germany’s Ardennes Offensive and Pursue Complete Victory (1944)

Date: December 22, 1944

Created By: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Original or Replica: Original

Era: Advance to the Rhine, The General

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Pre-Presidential Papers, Principal File, Box 148, Messages to Officers and Men-Allied Expeditionary Force (A.E.F.) 1943–1948; NAID #12126643

In this December 22, 1944 Order of the Day, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower addresses members of the Allied Expeditionary Force during the height of Germany’s offensive in the Ardennes. Eisenhower describes the German attack as a desperate attempt to escape the military situation created by earlier Allied victories. Although acknowledging that the enemy had temporarily gained ground through surprise and what he calls “treacherous tricks,” Eisenhower emphasizes that Germany was risking its remaining strength in an effort to reverse the course of the war.

Eisenhower praises Allied troops for their courage during the fighting and expresses complete confidence that the German offensive will fail. His message, however, goes beyond simply calling for the enemy attack to be stopped. Eisenhower argues that the Allies should take advantage of Germany’s decision to leave its prepared defensive positions and transform the German offensive into an opportunity to inflict a decisive defeat on the enemy.

He therefore calls upon every Allied servicemember to demonstrate renewed courage, determination, and effort. Rather than thinking only in terms of defending against the German attack, Eisenhower urges Allied forces to concentrate on destroying the enemy on the ground and pursuing complete victory. His message ends by invoking Allied unity, faith in their cause, and determination to continue the fight.

The document provides a powerful example of Eisenhower’s leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, showing how he sought to strengthen Allied morale while reframing Germany’s surprise offensive as an opportunity to accelerate its ultimate defeat.