The European Theater
Check out the links and videos below to find out the strategies, key battles, and important people that played a major role in the United States defeating the Germans in the European Theater.
"Sure, we want to go home. We want this war over with. The quickest way to get it over with is to go get the bastards who started it." - General George S. Patton
European Theater Images
"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."
- General George S. Patton
- General George S. Patton
European Theater Maps
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D-Day Invasion
On June 6, 1944, led by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the largest amphibious invasion in history took place. The men that sacrificed their lives that day did so to ensure safety for free people throughout the world. This day marked the beginning of the end of the war in Europe.
"What a plan! This vast operation is undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place."
- British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressing House of Commons, June 6, 1944
- British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressing House of Commons, June 6, 1944
"We shot at everything that moved. The beach was soon covered with the bodies of American soldiers."
- German soldier Franz Gockel, writing to his family on June 10, 1944
- German soldier Franz Gockel, writing to his family on June 10, 1944
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"People of Western Europe: A landing was made this morning on the coast of France by troops of the Allied Expeditionary Force. This landing is part of the concerted United Nations' plan for the liberation of Europe, made in conjunction with our great Russian allies ... I call upon all who love freedom to stand with us. Keep your faith staunch. Our arms are resolute. Together we shall achieve victory." - Broadcast by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 6, 1944