Battles & Wars › World War II › D-Day (Normandy landings)
Dwight D. Eisenhower
1890–1969· Person· Europe
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
US general who was Supreme Allied Commander in western Europe for D-Day and Germany's defeat, and later the 34th US president.
See it on the Battles & Wars map →What happened
A staff officer who had never led troops in battle before 1942, Eisenhower commanded the Allied landings in North Africa, then Sicily and Italy. As Supreme Commander from early 1944, he managed a quarrelsome coalition of strong personalities such as Montgomery, Patton and de Gaulle, and made the final call to launch D-Day despite poor weather. Germany's surrender was signed at his headquarters in Reims on May 7, 1945. As president (1953–61) he ended the Korean War fighting and warned of a 'military-industrial complex'.
Why it matters
His skill at holding a coalition together made the western invasion of Europe work; as president he built Cold War strategy around nuclear deterrence.
Legacy and how we know
His wartime papers and diaries, the note he wrote before D-Day accepting blame if it failed, his memoir 'Crusade in Europe', and the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas.
Still debated
Historians still debate his 1944 'broad front' advance versus Montgomery's proposed single narrow thrust, and whether the alternative could have ended the war sooner.
Connections (5)
▸Dwight D. Eisenhower was supreme Allied commander for D-Day (Normandy landings)Well documented
The connection
As Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, Eisenhower oversaw planning, coordinated land, sea and air forces from several nations, and, when forecasters predicted a brief break in a storm, gave the order early on June 5, 1944. The invasion went ahead the next day.
When and how
Southwick House near Portsmouth, England, early June 5, 1944, after chief meteorologist James Stagg forecast the break in the weather.
How we know
Accounts by Eisenhower, his staff and Stagg, and his handwritten note accepting full blame if the landings failed.
Debates and open questions
His exact words when giving the order differ among witnesses; versions include 'OK, let's go' and 'Okay, we'll go'.
▸Dwight D. Eisenhower led the Allied response to Battle of the BulgeWell documented
The connection
Eisenhower quickly saw the German attack as a major offensive, rushed reserves to hold Bastogne, ordered Patton to turn north, and temporarily gave Montgomery command of US armies on the bulge's northern side, a move that strained Anglo-American relations.
When and how
Verdun, France, December 19, 1944: Eisenhower's conference with Bradley, Patton and other commanders.
How we know
Allied headquarters (SHAEF) records, accounts of the Verdun conference, and memoirs by Eisenhower, Bradley, Patton and Montgomery.
Debates and open questions
Montgomery's January 7 press conference, seen as claiming credit, angered Americans; how much the dispute reflected real differences in strategy is debated.
▸Dwight D. Eisenhower as US president helped end Korean WarMostly agreed
The connection
Eisenhower campaigned in 1952 with the pledge 'I shall go to Korea' and visited the front as president-elect. In office he pushed for an armistice, and his administration hinted it might use nuclear weapons if talks failed. Stalin's death in March 1953 also eased pressure; the armistice was signed July 27, 1953.
When and how
Korea, December 1952 visit; armistice talks at Panmunjom, signed July 27, 1953, six months after his inauguration.
How sure are we?
Campaign speeches, administration records and the armistice itself are documented; the effect of the nuclear hints is less clear.
Debates and open questions
Whether nuclear threats or Stalin's death did more to end the war is debated; Chinese and Soviet records suggest the threats mattered less.
▸Higgins Industries and the landing craft was credited with winning the war by Dwight D. EisenhowerWell documented
The connection
Historian Stephen Ambrose reported that Eisenhower told him in 1964 that 'Andrew Higgins is the man who won the war for us,' because his boats made landings on open beaches possible. Without them, Eisenhower said, the whole strategy of the war would have been different.
When and how
Interviews in 1964 for Ambrose's books; Eisenhower had commanded the Allied landings in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Normandy.
How we know
The quote rests on Ambrose's account, published in his book 'D-Day June 6, 1944' (1994).
Debates and open questions
In 2010 the Eisenhower Library's deputy director questioned how much time Ambrose actually spent with Eisenhower, casting some doubt on quotes he reported.
▸Military-industrial complex (Eisenhower's 1961 warning) was named and warned against by Dwight D. EisenhowerWell documented
The connection
Eisenhower, the general who led D-Day, used his last speech as president to name the permanent alliance of military and industry and to warn of its 'unwarranted influence'. Coming from a soldier, the warning carried unusual weight and gave critics of defense spending a lasting phrase.
When and how
Televised farewell address from the White House, January 17, 1961; drafted with speechwriters Malcolm Moos and Ralph Williams.
How we know
The speech text, recordings and drafts are held at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas.
Debates and open questions
Historians debate why he waited until leaving office to warn, since his own administration had expanded missile and bomber programs.