Question

Why did General Eisenhower keep the note, Document 1, with him at all times during the planning and execution of Operation Overlord?

Answer 1

Assuming you had to choose between:

a. In case he died in battle, he wanted to make sure that reporters received his message.

b. It was a constant reminder of the personal responsibility he took for the fate of democracy in Europe and America and for the decision to send so many men into battle and certain death.

c. It had special meaning for him, because it was a private note from President Roosevelt.

d. Because he planned and implemented Operation Overlord all by himself.

The answer is b. It was a constant reminder of the personal responsibility he took for the fate of democracy in Europe and America and for the decision to send so many men into battle and certain death.

Eisenhower had written a note called “In case of failure,” which he would have wanted to be published if the Normandy landing was not sucessful. This publication would have seen the blame attributed to himself alone. This document bears significant historical importance in that it shows Eisenhower's character as a war general and a leader.