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WW2 WWII D-Day Airborne Army Paratrooper Infantry Message Eisenhower ORIGINAL
$ 18.48
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Description
WW2 WWII D-Day Airborne Army Paratrooper Infantry Message Eisenhower ORIGINAL. Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS First Class.Absolutely authentic 1944 version of this historic message that was issued to all members of the D-Day invasion in 1944 by General Eisehnower. Ike's signature is printed as part of the document.
Obverse bears original ink signature of Major General Sir George Erskine GCB KBE DSO who was a senior British Army officer and who is most notable for having commanded the 7th Armoured Division from 1943 to 1944 during World War II. He became Head of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force Mission to Belgium in 1944 and then GOC 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division in 1945. You can look him up on wikipedia
Measures 6 inches x 9 inches
Condition: Excellent. No tears or rips. No restoration. There are fold marks. Paper is bright with minimal foxing (one of pictures was taken in yellow light which made photo look more yellow). Nice patina that shows it is from 1944. Would look great framed.
NOTE: I have the British counterpart, also signed by Erskine, also for sale on eBay -- buy both and I will combine shipping!!
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Text of Eisenhower version reads:
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (SHAEF)
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is will trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.