“A human
understanding and a natural ability to mingle with all men on a basis of
equality are more important than any degree of technical skill.” ~ General
Eisenhower
General Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe, knew how to lead and direct men. He also knew how to take responsibility for his actions. This is an admirable trait in any leader and needs examination in regards to Eisenhower’s leadership on D-Day. Eisenhower faced a difficult task with the invasion of Normandy. His decisions would affect the war, the soldiers, and their families in significant ways. Eisenhower knew that his decision to go along with the invasion regardless of the stormy weather conditions could receive criticism by some, but he took responsibility for the invasion and his actions. He waited until there was a break in the bad weather to issue that the mission continue on June 6, 1944, one day after the original date planned. He wrote a note of apology if the invasion were a disaster, in which he personally apologized for his failure and mistakes. He noted that the entire fault was his not the heroic men who gave their lives to accomplish the great mission. Thus, General Eisenhower exhibited qualities of an excellent leader by taking responsibility for his decisions in the Normandy invasion.
Eisenhower was personally involved with the men under him and wanted them to know that he honored their service and sacrifice. This is a quality of a good leader because it shows a willingness to appreciate and respect those in a lower position. On June 5, 1944, the day before the invasion, Eisenhower visited the 101st Airborne Division. He wanted the men to know that he had confidence in them and the mission they set out to accomplish. Most of the men were nervous and apprehensive about the great task before them, but General Eisenhower’s reassuring words and confidence in them helped ease some tension. Eisenhower showed, once again, that he cared about his men and wanted them to know that they had his full support.
Eisenhower also knew how to lead men into following
his orders. His speech right before the invasion was encouraging and full of
hope that what they set out to accomplish would benefit the Allied war effort
for victory. General Eisenhower had full confidence in the common soldier, and
this showed through to them in his speeches and actions. General Eisenhower respected
his men and honored their sacrifice and courage by thanking and praising them
for their devotion to their country. Eisenhower also was aware of the dangers
and difficulties of this mission. He knew the Germans would be hard to beat,
but he still had faith in the ability of the men to win. General Eisenhower
proved influential in his rhetorical abilities by being able to rally the
soldiers to the cause of victory that their mission had set out to accomplish.
At the Normandy beaches on the twentieth anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Eisenhower shared some of his thoughts and reactions with Walter Cronkite of CBS. Eisenhower explained to Walter Cronkite that the major part of the victory at D-Day belonged to the soldiers and aviators who bravely accomplished the mission they set out to win. It is important to note that twenty years after D-Day, Eisenhower credited the victory to the brave men involved not to his skill and planning.
Therefore, General Eisenhower exhibited true leadership skills by his attitude and actions as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. He showed humility and respect for the men he commanded, which is an admirable trait in a leader. His ability to rally around the men and support them on a personal level attests to his wonderful character and leadership abilities.
Recommended Readings
Ambrose, Stephen E. “Eisenhower's Generalship.” Parameters 40, no.4 (Winter
2010/2011): 90- 98.
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/867412831.
Ambrose, Stephen E. “Eisenhower's Generalship.” Parameters 40, no.4 (Winter
2010/2011): 90- 98.
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/867412831.
Childs, Marquis. “General Eisenhower: Five-Star
Portrait.” The Washington Post
(Washington, D.C.), Mar. 24, 1945.
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/151760784.
“D-Day Leaders—Eisenhower.” Military.com. Accessed January 27, 2014.
http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent1/?file=dday_leaders1.
(Washington, D.C.), Mar. 24, 1945.
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/151760784.
“D-Day Leaders—Eisenhower.” Military.com. Accessed January 27, 2014.
http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent1/?file=dday_leaders1.
D’Este, Carlo. Eisenhower: A Soldier’s Life. New York:
Henry Holt & Company,
2002.
“Eisenhower Recalls the Ordeal of D-Day Assault 20 Years Ago.” New York Times
(New York, NY), Jun. 06, 1964.
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/115799573.
“General Eisenhower’s Message Sent Just Prior to the Invasion.” U.S. Army.
Accessed January 26, 2014. http://www.army.mil/d-day/message.html.
Kershaw, Alex. The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-Day
Sacrifice. Cambridge, MA: De Capo Press, 2003.
“World War II: D-Day, The Invasion of Normandy.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. Accessed January
6, 2014. http://eisenhower.archives.gov/research/online_documents/d_day.html.
2002.
“Eisenhower Recalls the Ordeal of D-Day Assault 20 Years Ago.” New York Times
(New York, NY), Jun. 06, 1964.
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/115799573.
“General Eisenhower’s Message Sent Just Prior to the Invasion.” U.S. Army.
Accessed January 26, 2014. http://www.army.mil/d-day/message.html.
Kershaw, Alex. The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-Day
Sacrifice. Cambridge, MA: De Capo Press, 2003.
“World War II: D-Day, The Invasion of Normandy.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. Accessed January
6, 2014. http://eisenhower.archives.gov/research/online_documents/d_day.html.
