Invasion Preparations (1)

D-DAY PREPARATIONS INCLUDED VIP MEMOS AND FLIGHT PLANS
Undated letter from FDR to Army Expeditionary Forces Undoubtedly prepared well in advance of D-Day reminded soldiers of a tyrannical, arrogant and brutal enemy. The president also sent "the hope, the confidence, the gratitude and the prayers of your family, your fellow citizens and your President." (Courtesy of Rex Combs collection))	Flight Plan to Drop Zone "N" on D-Day as flown by the 314th Troop Carrier Group. Their precious cargo that day was men of the 82nd ABN	Pre-Invasion Letter from General Eisenhower to all of the men under his command. They numbered in the millions over all and the letter was simply addressed "To All Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of The Allied expeditionary Force!"	Post-Invasion Letter from General Eisenhower to People of Western Europe advised of the invasion and suggested ways and means to help the war effort. (Courtesy of Bill Goudy collection))

Preparations Also Included Aids To Deal With Allies & Enemy

French Dictionary
was a highly useful handout as most Americans had no prior exposure to the French language.

Rights As a POW
was probably read by most G.I.'s and may have been useful to a number of them. However, trying to influence your captors to follow the Geneva Convention may have brought reprisal rather than relief.

"Donald Duck in Nutzi Land"
was a Walt Disney movie that apparently cast some light hearted humor to ease the tension of G.I.'s preparing for the invasion.
This poster featuring Donald Duck pasting Adolph with a rotten tomato promoted the film.

Safe Conduct Pass
Signed by General Eisenhower and printed in both German and English. The bearer of this pass was promised food, shelter and medical care as well as removal from the combat zone. Surely more than a few Germans took advantage of these documents which had probably been air dropped over their lines. Perhaps even the group shown at the right came over because of these passes..