"In Case of Failure" Message

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Description

General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the final order that put the vast D-day operation in motion on June 5, 1944, after a break in the stormy weather was predicted for the next day. Following his decision, Eisenhower dashed off this note, in case the Allied invasion of Europe on D-Day (June 6th) failed. In the statement, he praised the men under his command and claimed that any fault or failure “is mine alone.” The only apparent hint of nerves on his part is his error in dating the note “July 5” instead of June 5.

Transcript

Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops.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

Citation

This primary source comes from the Collection DDE-EPRE: Eisenhower, Dwight D: Papers, Pre-Presidential.

National Archives Identifier: 186470

Full Citation: ‘In Case of Failure’ Message Drafted by General Dwight Eisenhower in Case the D-Day Invasion Failed; 6/5/1944; Principal Files, 1916 – 1952; Collection DDE-EPRE: Eisenhower, Dwight D: Papers, Pre-Presidential,; Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, KS. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/document/in-case-of-failure/, January 8, 2026]

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