Eisenhower Reports to General Marshall on the Opening Hours of the D-Day Invasion (1944)

Date: June 6, 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 133, Cables Official (GCM/DDE February 19 – October 18, 1944) (4); NAID #594652

This top-secret message from General Dwight D. Eisenhower to Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall provides an early report on Operation Overlord at 8:00 a.m. on June 6, 1944. Eisenhower explains that he had not yet received reliable information about the actual beach landings or Allied progress through German obstacles and therefore was withholding an official communiqué until reports from the landing forces arrived.

Despite the limited information, Eisenhower reports that preliminary developments were encouraging. Allied airborne forces had apparently landed in good order, with losses among the approximately 1,250 participating aircraft described as relatively light. Naval forces were clearing mines, operations were proceeding according to plan, and German coastal defenses initially responded lightly enough that some Allied spotting aircraft returned without being needed. Eisenhower also notes that weather conditions had improved significantly after poor conditions the previous day and appeared favorable for the coming days. He concludes with a personal observation from visiting British troops and an American airborne division before their departure, praising the soldiers’ enthusiasm, toughness, and physical fitness. The message captures Eisenhower’s perspective during the uncertain opening hours of D-Day, before the Supreme Commander knew whether the Normandy invasion was succeeding.