06.06.1944

[Bob Womack]

That day and the night before, fifty-four year-old Eisenhower was a man with a lot on his mind. The night before, he wrote a statement to give to the press in case things didn't work out, and placed it in his wallet:

"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops..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."

It's telling to see today where Eisenhower made changes in his note. He crossed out "This particular operation" to write "My decision to attack," which is emphatic and personal.

And he drew a long, strong line under "mine alone."

Excerpted from NPR, HERE.

The fact that he prepared to take all responsibility and blame has always touched me deeply. I think about it every year at this time.

Bob