Hindsight says that D-Day was an amazing victory, even at great costs. However, the success or failure of Normandy rested heavily upon the shoulders of Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Prior to the invasion, he penned the below remarks to be given to the press in the event of failure.

Here’s what it says: “Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”