A famous letter from Gen Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, during WW2 was meant to buoy up the troops leaving for the shores of Normandy.  The letter extolled the quality of the troops and their equipment and foretold the push to end the war.  But there was a second letter which was written in case Operation Overlord did not succeed.  In it, Eisenhower accepted full responsibility for the failure.  All Canadians and their allies are thankful that the latter letter was never used.

Below is the never-used letter.

“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops.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

*He accidentally dated the letter July 5. It should have been June 5. We’re sure he had a lot on his mind.

 

Reference: Business Insider News, Eloise Lee Jun. 6, 2012, 12:52 PM