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D-Day: Eisenhower and the paratroopers who were key to success
On the eve of the D-Day invasion, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower spent the remaining hours of daylight with the paratroopers who were about to jump behind German lines into occupied France. A single moment captured by an Army photographer became the most enduring image of America’s greatest military operation.
“It’s one of those images that just causes you to pause,” said James Ginther, the archivist of the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kansas. “There’s clearly something going on. There’s conversation. but we don’t know what it is, and it invites us in.”
What makes this picture so iconic (a cutout of the famous photo has even been turned into a selfie station at the library) is that it perfectly captures all that was at stake on D-Day – the burden of command, and the lives in the balance.
U.S. Army/Library of Congress
And the more you know about the picture, the more perfect it becomes.
Asked why it was so important for Eisenhower to visit the troops the day before Allied forces landed at Normandy, Ginther replied, “Because wars aren’t won by armies. They’re won by individual soldiers, and he knew the value of that.”
Wallace Strobel – the soldier in the helmet in that photo – passed away in 1999, but he recalled his brief encounter with Eisenhower in a 1994 interview with CBS News. “I was very young; it was my 22nd birthday,” he said. “We were really ready to go. We were all set, we had everything loaded. And someone came running down the street and said, ‘Eisenhower is here!’ Well, everybody kind of said, ‘So what?’ We had more important things!”
Nobody snapped to attention or fell into formation. But then, Strobel recalled, “You could hear the excitement as he came close. So then we turned and kind of looked out, and then he came over and at that point he stopped in front of me.”
Asked why Eisenhower, who was in command of two million Allied forces in Operation Overlord, chose to speak with paratroopers, Ginther said, “Because they’re the key to the whole operation.”
The Germans had flooded the areas behind the beaches, and the paratroopers were to jump in ahead of the main landing force to seize the causeways leading inland.
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Strobel’s mission was to knock out German guns that could turn those causeways into shooting galleries. He said, “They emphasized the fact, ‘Now, if you don’t get those guns out by H-hour the whole damn invasion’s gonna fail.'”
What Strobel didn’t know was that a letter stamped “BIGOT” had landed on Eisenhower’s desk. BIGOT stood for British Invasion of German Occupied Territory. “It was higher than a top secret classification,” said Ginther.
Air Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory, the officer in charge of the air drops, had written, “I am very unhappy about the U.S. Airborne Operations as now planned,” and warned that half the 13,000 paratroopers could be lost.
In a 1964 interview with CBS’ Walter Cronkite, Eisenhower recalled what Leigh-Mallory told him: “He was so sure we were making a bad error, that about a day or two before the attack, he came to see me down in my camp, down here, and he just was really earnest in his recommendations we must not do it.”
From the archives: CBS Reports (1964): “D-Day Plus 20 Years – Eisenhower Returns to Normandy” (Video)
It was a call only Eisenhower could make. His response to Leigh-Mallory, delivered by hand the next day, read: “A strong airborne attack … is essential to the whole operation and it must go on.”
It was, in Eisenhower’s words, “a soul-wracking” decision — but he gave no hint of that as he mingled with the paratroopers an hour before they were to board their planes.
So, what exactly did the general say to Lt. Strobel? “He said, ‘Where you from, lieutenant?’ And I said, ‘Michigan.’ He said, ‘Oh, Michigan, I used to fish there. Great fishing in Michigan.'”
Martin asked, “So, in that famous photo, they’re talking about fishing?“
“That’s what Wally Strobel says,” Ginther noted.
“That kind of changes my preconceptions of that photo. You look at it and you think he’s going, ‘Give ’em hell.’ Maybe he’s going just like he’s casting?”
Strobel told CBS, “It was as though he was trying to calm everyone down.”
Eisenhower later told Cronkite the paratroopers had tried to put him at ease as well: “They were all getting ready and all camouflaged and their faces blackened and all this, and they saw me and recognized me and they said, ‘Quit worrying, general, we’ll take care of this thing for you,’ and that kind of thing. It was a good feeling.”
A better feeling the next morning, when the main landing force went ashore on the beaches of Normandy. “All preliminary reports are satisfactory,” Eisenhower cabled in his first dispatch. “Airborne formations apparently landed in good order.”
It was too early to predict success, so Eisenhower closed by saying he had visited the paratroopers the night before, “and the light of battle was in their eyes.”
See also:
GALLERY: D-DAY – When the Allies turned the tide
For more info:
Story produced by Mary Walsh. Editor: Joseph Frandino.
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How to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears NFL game today: Livestream options, more
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The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Chicago Bears today. The Vikings are currently 8-2, an impressive run so far this season, and will be looking to add a fourth win to their current streak after last Sunday’s 23-13 win against the Tennessee Titans. The Bears, on the other hand, are entering this game on the heels of a four-game losing streak after a tough 20-19 loss against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.
Here’s how and when you can watch the Vikings vs. Bears game today, whether or not you have cable.
How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings vs. Bears game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears game without cable
You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.
Fubo offers you an easy, user-friendly way to watch NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, plus NCAA football channels. The Pro tier includes 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, while the Elite with Sports Plus tier adds NFL RedZone and 4K resolution. New subscribers get a seven-day free trial and all plans allow streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously.
You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
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How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL game today: Livestream options, more
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The Detroit Lions will face off against the Indianapolis Colts today. The Lions enter this game as top contenders with a near-perfect record of 9-1 so far this season. The Colts, who are 5-6 this season, could have a tough game on their hands against the Lions but will be looking to rack up another win after prevailing over the New York Jets in a tight game last Sunday.
Here’s how and when you can watch the Colts vs. Lions game today, whether or not you have cable.
Here’s how and when to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Lions vs. Colts game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts game without cable
You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.
Experience NFL action like never before with Fubo’s comprehensive sports streaming platform. From Sunday showdowns to primetime matchups, catch every NFL game across major networks including CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Choose the Pro package to unlock 200+ channels and limitless DVR storage, or elevate your game-day experience with the Elite with Sports Plus package, featuring NFL RedZone’s commercial-free scoring highlights and stunning 4K quality.
Test drive the service with a no-commitment seven-day free trial, and share the excitement with family and friends — Fubo supports simultaneous streaming on up to 10 devices, so everyone can watch their favorite teams.
You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games, and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
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How to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more
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The New England Patriots will face off against the Miami Dolphins in a game today at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Patriots have had an uneven season so far, coming into the game with a record of 3-8, including a 28-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on November 17. The Dolphins, however, haven’t fared much better this season as they enter the game with a record of 4-6, although they are coming off two wins in a row, the latest against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game today, even without cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game today
The New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The football game will be shown on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ and the platforms noted below.
How and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you’ll have other viewing options, too for the Patriots-Dolphins game. Just understand that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Patriots-Dolphins game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Patriots-Dolphins game for free
Looking for an inexpensive way to watch football? Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.
How to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears NFL game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears NFL game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL game today: Livestream options, more