"You will enter the continent of Europe and, in conjunction with other United Nations, undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces."

—Directive to Dwight D. Eisenhower,

Upon his appointment as Supreme Commander

"...the first twenty-four hours of the operation will be decisive...the fate of Germany depends on the outcome...for the Allies, as well as Germany, it will be the longest day."

—Field Marshal Erwin Rommel

April 22, 1944