

4. The Longest Night…
9 snips Jun 19, 2024
The podcast delves into General Eisenhower's nerves on the eve of D-Day, his heartfelt letter of apology, and the first Allied planes taking flight. It explores Eisenhower's interactions with paratroopers, the build-up of U.S. forces in Britain, leadership and strategy in WWII, Eisenhower's diplomatic leadership, and the preparation and planning for D-Day.
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Eisenhower's Visit
- On June 5, 1944, General Eisenhower visited paratroopers preparing for the D-Day invasion.
- He spoke with Lieutenant Strobel, whose birthday it was, about post-war fishing plans.
Eisenhower's Burden
- General Eisenhower faced immense pressure, with an 80% casualty rate prediction for the airborne operation.
- Despite this, he decided the mission was crucial for the success of the beach landings.
The Friendly Invasion
- American GIs, stationed in Britain since Pearl Harbor, were a large presence, often outnumbering local populations.
- They introduced American culture, including Coca-Cola, nylons, and jazz, leading to the term "friendly invasion."