CBS Reports (1964): "D-Day Plus 20 Years - Eisenhower Returns to Normandy"

The Allied invasion of Nazi-controlled France on June 6, 1944 was the largest military invasion in history, involving nearly 160,000 service members arriving by ship and air at Normandy. Its success turned the tide of World War II. Two decades after D-Day, former Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was Supreme Commander in charge of the operation, returned to Normandy. Eisenhower talked with CBS News' Walter Cronkite about his experiences in June 1944, the tactical decisions behind Operation Overlord, and how British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was talked out of joining the invading forces. Eisenhower and Cronkite visited the Allies' war room on England's southern coast; the coast of France, including Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach; and the American military cemetery at St. Laurent-on-the-Sea. This special broadcast of "CBS Reports," featuring newsreel footage of the invasion, originally aired in 19 countries around the world on June 5, 1964.

[@michellebostic681]

Yesterday was the 80th anniversary of D-day. When this first aired most of our guys were in their 40's. Now there are only a few left. God bless them all.

[@JackAShepherd]

They saved the world 🥹

[@tfajsh]

Absolutely! The Greatest Generation

[@rathertiredofthemess2841]

Well don’t vote for what they fought against.

[@franklehman1593]

They saved us all

[@rathertiredofthemess2841]

@@franklehman1593 don’t let their sacrifices go dishonored. You and I are going to have to save it again much closer to home.

[@RICHIEPR63]

eisenhower was so dignified how we need people like him today

[@arcana_mystery]

My thoughts too. I feel such shame at the way Trumpers act.

[@thomasaquitania753]

Hahahahahahahaha

[@edworthy1352]

True gentleman.

[@garymorris1856]

@@arcana_mystery I am much more embarrassed by Joe Biden and the idiots who support this weak and stupid liar.

[@Alan-gx8gf]

@@arcana_mystery

[@johngallagher8775]

Eisenhower was a genuine human being. We could use more people like him today.

[@garymorris1856]

it is hard to believe that we have come from President Eisenhower, when I was in grade school, to such a weak and stupid man, Joe Biden.

[@jackiedaytona7681]

A true man of service. Not many of those in power these days.

[@nickelsener5600]

Eisenhower, Cronkrite, so real, so interesting. Serious men talking about world serious events. What a treasure this video is.

[@SaundersE5]

Cronkite lied to us in 1968 after the Tet offensive.

[@geneward779]

Notice how Eisenhower constantly gives credit to others- - decisions “we” made, “our” decisions etc. Such a rare, truly great leader.

[@Michael_Hunt]

He's very humble and candid.

[@skelejp9982]

In his farewell speech as US President, he warned for the extending destructive power of the Military Industrial Complex. No person ever, in the same kind of position, spoke these wise and daring words !

[@SpaceTravel1776]

@@skelejp9982 Eh, turns out his words were misguided. No World War ever since or slaughter even close to what wars used to be, praise be to the military complex I guess, right?

[@skelejp9982]

@@SpaceTravel1776 On 1 Northern Korean City, allied dropped more tonnage of bombs than on the whole Western front during WW2.

[@SpaceTravel1776]

@@skelejp9982 Yep, and no world war. If they hadn’t? Another world war. And not a single thank you from you and yours? Ah well.

[@dianastevenson131]

My dad was part of the D-Day invasion with the British Army, when he was 19. He greatly admired Eisenhower, who addressed them all once and gave the advice "Never pass over a free lunch, or the chance to go to the John" - dad often quoted that! He died in 1995. What an amazing generation they were.

[@suzannerhinehart5845]

Watching on June 6, 2024 the 80th Anniversary. Well done by two special men!

[@carlkozlosky8094]

My Uncle met Ike. On the evening of June 5th 1944 not long before he departed to Omaha Beach. My Uncle just celebrated his 101st birthday this month. God Bless America.

[@dillon5155]

My grandfather didn't meet Ike personally but he watched as he passed within feet of him when Ike visited his Battleship the USS Texas

[@chrisml8105]

Was your uncle a Screaming Eagle?

[@carlkozlosky8094]

@@chrisml8105 no he was not. Wounded battle of Saint-Lô and also at Hurtgen Forest.

[@chrisml8105]

@@carlkozlosky8094 I'm very glad you got to meet him. Happy birthday to him, and many many more! I thank him for his service.

[@bobobandy9382]

Did Ike speak in terms of costs?

[@johncody5359]

The final 5 minute monologue from Eisenhower is enough to just leave you absolutely speechless. Wish we still had this kind of leadership today.

[@kirkknighton2687]

Agreed. And then the camera pulling up and away like that to show the entire scene was exactly like the end of the film Field of Dreams. I wept both times...

[@johnpolley6344]

Leaders like Eisenhower could not be elected today. They have too much integrity to lie and divide us.

[@artn2950]

Astounding when we see the corruption being unveiled at the top levels of all of our government institutions!!!

[@changeamerica]

We do. There was peace in the world under President Trump.

[@watchalay74]

Trump=Hitler&Mussolini

[@roberthenry9319]

This filmed interview of General Eisenhower is one of the most remarkable, meaningful and important journalistic events in American history. The enormity of its value must never be underestimated.

[@blakestewart5781]

This piece of journalism from 1964 is better than any journalism done in the past 10 years.

[@MrJimheeren]

Well that’s a little bit of an overstatement. I’ve seen some pretty good journalism in the past 10 years

[@bill4270]

​@@MrJimheerenReally?

[@MrJimheeren]

@@bill4270 yes really. Open a newspaper every once in a while or a magazine that’s not filled with cars and pretty ladies

[@bill4270]

@@MrJimheeren You mean USA Today, NY Times, WA. Post?

[@MrJimheeren]

@@bill4270 yes, have you tried papers not from the states, Die Zeitung, Guardian, the FT, Le Monde, you don’t have to speak the languages, google translate and now ChatGPT can translate everything for you, so that’s no excuse anymore

[@DDPAV]

As a history buff I can't believe this is the first time I've seen this. What a masterpiece of documenting such a monumental moment in history.

[@tee1up785]

I thought the same thing!!! June 2020 and never heard of this.

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

Same here

[@nebtheweb8885]

I saw it when it aired back in 1964 when I was in high school. CBS did a few of these back in the day.

[@scamassassin2538]

Exactly! This is amazing

[@waynehammond7145]

Man, This is fricking awesome!!!

[@patricksullivan4843]

My father-in-law landed at Omaha beach with the 29th division and his brother landed with the fourth infantry division at Utah all three brothers survived the war and celebrated the liberation of Paris

[@artn2950]

Wow!!!!

[@SaundersE5]

That’s awesome

[@thefriedmind]

Eisenhower. A General, a President, and then a General again. He served his country until he died.

[@robertrice1689]

20 years later and Eisenhower still had an amazing grasp and recall of the details.

[@m42037]

20 years isn't that long

[@kasession]

@@m42037 It can be when you're 72 years old.

[@thomasfurlano9106]

Not a bit of Biden in him!

[@tfajsh]

Eisenhower was a very thoughtful and pragmatic man. He analyzed the details and made the call, and it changed the whole damn thing. A man like that does not rise to a position of decision making very often. Thank God we had Ike

[@Chris_0803]

Eisenhower is so engaged and earnest. What a mind this man had. Probably thinking legacy at this stage in his life. Love how Cronkite just lets him talk too. This is really youtube at its best.

[@e-care-books9867]

Great note ... Cronkite is not interrupting or going for the "gotchya" questions.

[@bobpollack6894]

Chris_0803 this was journalism at its best!

[@jamesb.9155]

His 'legacy' was already clearly set in place: A triumphant Supreme Allied Commander of European WWII forces that freed Europe and defeated Hitler's Germany and two successful terms in The White House as President, etc.

[@MrBigstick25]

Wonder if he remembered how horrible he intentionally treated the German POWs. Keeping them in open fields with no shelter from the weather and turning away people trying to bring them food while they starved in his camps. Bad things happen in war we all know this but when your the so called good guys your not suppose to allow these kinds of things to happen. Their soldiers were no different than ours. They had their heads pumped full of Germania just like our guys had theirs pumped full of Americana.

[@tomwaite5498]

@@MrBigstick25 WRONG. The German soldier was not like the US soldier. The whole-scale atrocities the Germans committed gave Eisenhower every reason to treat them with the minimum or no respect. Were all the US soldiers perfect? No!!!! The principles of freedom "pumped" into the American's head is way different than the principles of tyranny "pumped" into the German's head.

[@chefpetey]

President Eisenhower was a Giant. A real man...confident enough to address his shortcomings and perceived failures. Giving credit to others. What a man!

[@markberryhill2715]

Yes he was.

[@kirkknighton2687]

This is simply priceless. One thing that struck me is Eisenhower here was not only a retired general, and the leader of the allied command in WWII, but he was also a former president of the United States - and there he is driving the jeep himself; there are no squadrons of media and Secret Service agents hovering all around. There is only Walter "the most trusted man in America" Cronkite and former president Dwight David Eisenhower. Imagine anything close to this happening today. Fighting against Adolf Hitler's fascism brought out the best in our country all across the board, from General/President Eisenhower to the brave recruits storming the beaches of Normandy, to all the hardworking sacrificing Americans back home building the machinery that made the difference. All my life ( I was born in 1955 ) I've been honored to share the same birthday with one of the greatest Americans and presidents we've ever known - October 14th. He will forever be my favorite president; we were lucky to have him.

[@stonyman82nd57]

I cannot believe that I have never see this. I was in the 82nd and have always been obsessed with Normandy. Cannot believe this has never come up on my feed before now. It was amazing hearing Gen. Eisenhower talk about the invasion in detail while he was actually there. This was the ultimate Normandy tour huh ? Very emotional for this 54 yr old paratrooper. 2/505 PIR

[@tommytbone9778]

This was right after Kennedy and we had this in history class in `68 so maybe it was a Catholic HS thing.... Walter Cronkite was a professional and someone I appreciated growing up in the B& W world, but then the fox crowd came along

[@artn2950]

This was fabulous ... first time to see it I am ashamed to admit!!!😢

[@stonyman82nd57]

@@tommytbone9778 I think you meant the cnn crowd.

[@tommytbone9778]

@@stonyman82nd57 naw, I think I nailed Roger Ailes right in his big fat kisser

[@thomashartman1998]

Cronkite and Eisenhower, in their respective fields of expertise, two giants of the twentieth century.

[@jamesw1313]

Sounds like a young Dan Rather doing the voice overs as well.

[@mitchrc3]

jamesw1313 One giant. One self important pygmie. One person that acted. Another person to Monday morning quarterback any decision.

[@ppumpkin3282]

Rather, led the decline in news reporting

[@Truth_Hurts528]

One a giant statesman and the other a giant propagandist.....

[@herondelatorre4023]

Thomas Hartman : This was June, 1964 . Eisenhower would live on for another 5 yrs until he passed away in March, 1969. Afterwards Cronkite would live on for another 40 yrs until his own passing in July, 2009. RIP Eisenhower 1890-1969 & RIP Cronkite 1916-2009.

[@soyounoat]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="184">3:04</a> gave me chills already. Those children pass by the man who says hello, unaware of what it means to him to see them enjoying their walk on that beach.

[@carlkozlosky8094]

I love that he said “If the GIs could have seen that 20 years ago...”

[@Nmax]

3:08 Absolutely amazing those little kids and the nuns walked past the supreme allied commander of Europe of world war 2 and just former president of the United States If they realized who those men were they would have stories to tell for a lifetime

[@namcat53]

I wonder if they saw this documentary and realized then just who said hello to them on that day.

[@markberryhill2715]

@@namcat53 not trying to be a smartie,but I'm sure they recognized that immediately,or not long after.

[@aarondanis7574]

Eisenhower should be on Mount Rushmore. Led the Allies to victory over the Nazis and navigated the nuclear Cold War. Humble and ragingly competent, he answered the country's call.

[@rathertiredofthemess2841]

You have defaced the 7 Grandfathers enough.

[@jwf1964]

He drove the Jeep on the beach w Cronkite. Every old soldier knows what that means. He didn’t insist on a driver. His voice sounds like my father and my uncles who also grew up on the American prairie. He was a smart, humble, decent kid from Kansas. Thank God for him and his men.

[@cam5816]

What does it mean?

[@ramal5708]

I think he also flew in a modified P-51 Mustang as passenger to observe the military operation in France behind enemy lines, when he reported back to Gen Marshall, he got an earful from Marshall because of the recon mission.

[@uwillnevahno6837]

God has a vast complex mysterious plan for everyone and everything. He is omnipresent, all powerful and omnipotent. You are thanking him for Eisenhower and others ending it. Given these beliefs and your proclamation do we curse god since his will included the war?

[@ChickenNugget-dk9hp]

@@ramal5708 The collings foundation have a TP-51C trainer which they've painted into the scheme of Stars Look Down, the aircraft Eisenhower flew in

[@gunsandpoker7432]

What did it mean when you wanted to drive the Jeep?

[@Hafnia1one]

A remarkable man Eisenhower. I'm danish, born 20 years after the war ended. My country was occupied in April 1940 by the german army and later on liberated by the allies in early May 1945. Mom taught and told me the story about all these young american men who lost their lives for our freedom. I'll never forget that and never stop being grateful.

[@davidlium9338]

Might I recommend a movie or two? The Fighting Lady Sink the Bismarck Memphis Belle

[@franmcdonald1011]

US Citizens are willing to die for oppressed peoples. It is the US Government and it's cinnection to the Military Industry Complex that cannot be trusted. Very sad how far our Government has become so corrupt and uncaring.

[@user-op8cy5fu3l]

It wasn’t only American’s

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

Thank you.

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

@@user-op8cy5fu3lThat is certainly true. But all the other combatants that fought to liberate Europe did so to liberate their own homes and families including the French, Polish, Russians, Dutch, Danes., etc. The British fought to keep their country from being overrun by the Nazis. The Americans didn’t have to be there to protect or liberate their own country. The Americans made the sacrifice for ideals. Nothing more, nothing less. I know that is not a popular concept that Americans can be “good guys”, and we all know the mistakes we have made since then….but in 1944/45 Europe, the American sacrifice was for other people. And, I’m not taking away from the monumental contributions by all the Allies by saying this. We could just as easily have stayed home rather than to get involved in yet one more European war of conquest.

[@1959blantz]

My father was a medic on D-Day. He told me many stories of that day, and I know several of them was hard for him to talk about. The one that I will never forget was especially hard for him to talk about. My father and a fellow GI that went through boot camp together all the way to D-Day was hit 3 times. One of which grazed the side of his friend's head and the other 2 shots was in his shoulder and in his chest. My father picked him up and over his shoulder and ran as fast as he could in an attempt to get him to safety. All the while talking to him and his buddy was answering him. Before he got him to safety, his friend stopped answering him. Once he got him to safety my father found out he had died while my dad doing his best to get him where he could safely treat his wounds. My dad past way in 1997, and I know it haunted him the rest of his life. All the American soldiers were a breed of Men that unfortunately the world will never see again.

[@michaeltran6182]

All the American soldiers were a breed of Men who came from the land of the brave and home of the free. Long live D-day heroes.

[@1959blantz]

I agree and we have all of them to thank for giving us the opportunity to be able to be free and live in the greatest country ever.

[@bharper9422]

Don’t underestimate the younger generations. We were raised by these men and their sons and daughters. We know the cost of freedom. We received the best traits and cautionary stories from our greatest generation loved ones. America is strong and so are its young people.

[@MrBojangles7890]

@@bharper9422 Very true Billy. Unfortunately our youth nowadays has to question their gender and they have pink hair. Sad to see with the political left pussifying America

[@bharper9422]

MrBojangles7890 maybe so especially compared to the greatest generation but I do believe most would rise to the occasion if a situation like World War Two happens again. Our society built by the greatest generation has afforded people to have the time and ability to dye their hair or other unnecessary extravagances.

[@jeffreywickens3379]

Can anyone imagine General Douglas MacArthur participating in a video like this, relaxing and being with ordinary people? I can't. Dwight Eisenhower was such a decent and humble man.

[@Critter145]

I can see why he was a president.

[@f.puttroff4470]

GENERAL MACARTHUR WAS A GOOD GENERAL AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE JAPANESE HELPED HIM SET UP A WORKING GOVERNMENT! BOTH THESE GENERALS HAD THEIR PLACE IN WW2 SUCCESS. HAD TRUMAN FOLLOWED MACARTHUR; THERE WOULD BE "NO" COMMUNIST RED CHINA OR NORTH KOREA TODAY!

[@joethaler7921]

Yeah, right.

[@ryanrusch3976]

I doubt it, Mac was a bit of a primadonna

[@danwoodliefphotography871]

You can tell he was a man who understood responsibility, accepted his role in the results, and how he was able to work with a wide range of personalities.

[@saltyroe3179]

Least we forget. My 99 year old was there with the Merchant Marine and his stories are amazing.

[@mariagarcia9395]

His speech at the end, last 3-5 minutes... so good Walter didn’t even interrupt or question it...

[@davidking909]

Most of today's journalists would be interrupting him left and right

[@Redmenace96]

Right?

[@tommytbone9778]

And foxytv vilify this man to no end... like anyone they hate

[@CDFCaptain93]

This should be shown every June 6th on CBS! I can only imagine the strain on the Generals mind during those 45 seconds he was deciding to go or not. Perfect example of having the right leader at the right time.

[@bblaylk]

I agree completely. It should be shown midnight to midnight on continuous loop, every June 6th, with all other programming preempted. We'd have nothing without those soldiers--and the soldier that served as Supreme Commander. The enemy HAD to be stopped, and was. Every living person since owes those soldiers everything they have--or will have.

[@CardinalX]

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it - George Santayana

[@sinjimsmythe9577]

It was one of the/my Enlightenment heroes, Edmund Burke, wot writ it, or at least something so similar Santayana robbed it The history doomed etc quote I always thought it was Santayana too until I saw it in one of Burke’s essays Cheeky Santayana, very cheeky

[@tricky2055]

Jeff Webb I have made a point to watch these videos with my kids and explain to them in detail every Memorial Day how brave Americans and Allies gave their lives to preserve our freedom. I would hope other mothers and fathers would do the same.

[@williamtownsend1596]

Today’s CBS might believe it ‘fashionable’ to show it from a German viewpoint..

[@tg213]

ike was 74 when this was made. his recall and command of the details is amazing. explained the difficulties of the hedge rows,how they circumvented the obstacle, and the name of the soldier who invented the workaround and what happened to the soldier, lost his leg, hardly an aloof commander, we fought not for gain but for ideals and values, i hope and pray we never have to do this again. well done sir

[@joeswanson733]

looks like we're looking at part 3 in the years to come.

[@waltscott6154]

+qqqq

[@JoshuaC923]

@@joeswanson733 that's just sad but true isn't it. Freedom paid for by others but forgotten by the privileged

[@windwhipped5]

Writing Crusade in Europe surley helped his recall..

[@tommytbone9778]

@@joeswanson733 NO, only Puitn is looking for an out, they have no answers

[@bosskey7212]

My grandfather was at Normandy on D day and he never spoke about it. The family just knew because of my grandmother's stories,she said he came home a completely different man than the one who left. My grandfather was a hard working farmer all of my childhood and the greatest memory I have was the day I graduated Basic training in the Army. My grandpa to my surprise came to see me and he hugged me and wept, I never saw him do that before. Coming from a man that went through all he went through that stuck with me all these years. God bless those men who treaded those beaches on that day, they are the reason so many of us are even here today.

[@priestsonaplane2236]

On todays episode of things that never happened

[@tommytbone9778]

Wait a minute soldier, Ma says he never spoke of it, yet she has stories.... it don`t add up, Padna

[@bosskey7212]

@@tommytbone9778 he and his wife obviously spoke about something, but he never spoke about it to any of us when I was growing up, and frankly most veterans dont either......PADNA

[@bosskey7212]

@@priestsonaplane2236 is that right after your terrible music shows?

[@tommytbone9778]

@@bosskey7212 Well, my GrandPa lost his job with the White Motor Co. `17 when he got drafted with his 2 older brothers, he got sent back 3 mths. later when they were lost in action... My old man was from Del Rio (Kin still there, the sun never sets on the Reid empire) & joined Eisenhower`s Army Air Corp. and sent to Waco in `41 as a flight instructor, and after the war went to school in Cleveland met Ma & that`s where he & GrandPa sat around the card table and the one Scot- Ulsterman with his Texas drawl had a rye & Gramps with his deep Hibernian brogue had whiskey & their stories would some times come to tactical comparisons between Pershing & Eisenhower or Sgt York and Pa`s Audie Murphy.. We`d go to the annual Catholic church summer games in the 50`s & a few of the old timers who survived that day on the beaches that morning or the beaches at Anzio would be in the beer tents yappin away about the old times and older kids just looked in amazement... we all enjoyed those old war shows on tv 12 o`clock high, Combat so those times listening were just what we wanted to feed our need to play army in the woods... And then when Nam came around it was our turn.. so maybe it was because we lived in one of those close knit Irish neighborhoods that made my experience different , Padna

[@atamagashock]

This is one of the best hours of television I’ve ever seen. Sadly it took me 40 years of life to find this gem.

[@satori2890]

Methinks I saw this in AP USA History after the Test😂

[@junesmallwood4921]

I wish we had all this information in the 50s and 60s and each generation.

[@tommytbone9778]

@@junesmallwood4921 We had this in our `68 history class , the Korean war is the real hidden one

[@artn2950]

I am ashamed to say I have never seen this. I am 77 my dad was in Niece and Marceills at end 1944

[@wlg2367]

I was eleven years old when this was telecast. Am I getting old. My father was in the Navy in the Pacific on June 6, 1944 on the battleship USS Massachusetts. My father is 94 and in pretty good health.

[@keithrose6931]

I was eight in 1964 my father was in the Royal Navy (HMS Hotspur) serving in the Mediterranean mostly. Sadly no longer with us but one of the greatest of generations. Best wishes and good heath to your father.

[@26michaeluk]

That's great to hear.

[@andrewkawaoka634]

God bless your father

[@davidgladstone5261]

I was 12, My Dad was training to be sent to Italy in June 44.

[@jeanbeard178]

I, too was 11, and I remember watching it with my father who fought in the Pacific.

[@tillman40]

A great General who went on to become a fine president. And in the end he warned us of the enemy from within

[@atreyudoomsday4161]

Its almost D-Day plus 80 years... May We Never Forget

[@claudiacotner1638]

I saw this in 1964, and today, Oct 06, 2020 it still gives me a thrill watching it. How sad these two men are no longer with us. The 20th Century was an incredible one!

[@BradWatsonMiami]

Eisenhower & Cronkite have been reincarnated - Ike was born into Democrat parents. Oliver Cromwell was reincarnated as George Washington who returned as Robert E. Lee who reincarnated as Dwight D. Eisenhower. This is part of Seal #7 of the 7seals.blogspot.com - only the returned Christ & Albert Einstein reincarnated could produce this. It's triggered The Apocalypse/Revelation which is NOT the 'end of the world'. COVID-19 is part of Seal #4: S=19 (18.6) Theory.

[@conpop6924]

It was an incredible and tragic one at the same time

[@26michaeluk]

That's amazing you remember seeing this when it aired. Thanks for sharing.

[@wolfmama1938]

It makes Pres Biden appear obviously not okay, weak, and decerebrating while planning everyday how to set the stage for Marxism.

[@ellocochon6232]

I envy you for living in those times, now there's nothing but tik tok and onlyfans prostitution

[@marksanders1081]

What a fantastic leader : decisive and humble ...... we miss those qualities in our days -

[@Mark-yy2py]

I agree. But I believe his biggest stumble was allowing the USSR to get to space first. But we made up for it in 1969!

[@brandonproductions8401]

tinwoods bruh

[@brandonproductions8401]

And the lack of supporting his allies

[@emolachance]

@tinwoods Sure. That's why "the orange oaf" just sold 800,000 tickets to his next rally. You'll be crying and yelling to the sky on election night this November. Don't worry, you'll get to bed early that night, as the election will be over around 8:30.

[@jamesb.9155]

@tinwoods Well, thank God you're so polite too.

[@michaelrichardson6051]

My father was a rifleman in the 29th division . Wounded in Normandy in August 44. Eisenhower was his Hero

[@nancycunningham4225]

Brings tears to my eyes. Eisenhower's honesty, and his obvious emotion when describing his letter of failure should it all go south....such men aren't made like that anymore.

[@Ingens_Scherz]

On this trip, Eisenhower got the news that Churchill had just suffered his penultimate, debilitating stroke, so he left France and visited him in hospital in London. Churchill could no longer speak but he was alert, so Ike just held his hand for ten full minutes, comforting his admired friend. Suddenly, Churchill stirred, broke the grip and gently raised his hand. He made the V for Victory sign to Eisenhower, for Eisenhower. Eisenhower moved back and said, very sadly, to Churchill's aid who was in the room, "You know, I've just said goodbye to Winston. But you never say fairwell to courage." Two of the greatest leaders who ever lived.

[@vaahtobileet]

is there a source for this story? I could only find a Quora answer that doesn't even mention the V for Victory sign. The dates don't seem to match either, unless Eisenhower spent over six months on this trip

[@QuinnV100]

Please provide a source. Great story if true

[@BradWatsonMiami]

Oliver Cromwell was reincarnated as George Washington who returned as Robert E. Lee who reincarnated as Dwight D. Eisenhower. This is part of Seal #7 of the 7seals.blogspot.com - only the returned Christ & Albert Einstein reincarnated could produce this. It's triggered The Apocalypse/Revelation which is NOT the 'end of the world'. COVID-19 is part of Seal #4: S=19 (18.6) Theory.

[@samuelrs5138]

@@BradWatsonMiami Dumbest reply I've ever read, congrats

[@leezee2894]

Incredible stuff if factual and i wouldn't doubt it for one minute not questioning the character of Eisenhower .

[@slangelands4255]

Thank you for the repost. We will never forget.

[@Palanthon]

If you pay close attention, there is a brief shot of C-47 3X when he is talking about visiting the 101st. That C-47 was "That's All Brother" and it was the aircraft that led the formation of 800 aircraft into France that day. "That's All Brother" is still flying today and was at Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

[@shiekyerbooti4068]

This video is a national treasure.

[@midnightrider7648]

The greatest generation stormed those beaches and I'm proud to say my dad was among them that morning of june 6th. My dad made it to 90 yrs. Damn, i miss that generation.

[@crazygame2724]

I miss my Dad and Mom. My Mom was an Army nurse in the ETO... Third Army. She would of been 100 yrs old. Dad worked in the Manhattan project. He'd be 104 this year...

[@PhilAVega]

🇺🇸👍 👍

[@silent1967]

@Hermann Goering You can't think like that, hindsight is always 2020. They went with the best info they had.

[@tee1up785]

From brave men storming beaches to coward men burning city’s in OUR USA in 2020. Glad my grandpa has passed. I’m sure he would shed a tear for today’s society. Stay safe America. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Freshstart6354]

midnight rider --- Me too, so many questions left unanswered, I wish I could go back in time.

[@matthewbugli6017]

General Eisenhower - One of the greatest Americans to have ever lived!

[@brooklyn8787]

God Bless those men who sacrificed their lives for generations to come.

[@changeamerica]

I wonder if they would have given their lives if they knew America would embrace homosexuality, abortion, transgenderism and physician assisted suicide.

[@aztronomy7457]

It's incredible how presidents in the 20th century could actually speak so professional, gentlemanlike, and with charm. Every sentence sounds like something from Tolkien.

[@mikebuchanan3532]

Cronkite said that he wasn’t a real big fan of the General, but he developed a deep respect for him after doing this documentary. The General didn’t use any notes in the entire documentary, it had all been done from memory. He was the consummate commander!

[@queencerseilannister3519]

@Carol Young We have openly extreme right wing too. There never seems to be a middle ground anymore. Our Nation wants to keep us pitted against one another.

[@Redmenace96]

Deep respect. Did you notice how often Ike took responsibility? He did not shy away from the terrible cost. No excuses. He told it, like it was. Very tough.

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

baffles my mind how anyone could form a disliking for General Eisenhower, he was an incredible man in every sense of the word

[@Mike-01234]

Eisenhower was good General who didn't boast about war like Patton, and Macarthur.

[@Tsamokie]

@@Mike-01234 Tell us all of when Patton boasted about war. Please quote his statements and when he made them.

[@W.A.T.P...55]

My god this is incredible..this film should be shown in every school possible...never seen this before so thank you very much..

[@Markos581973]

can we start with competent grammar skills first in school?

[@jamesford3648]

The Dark Portal what year did you Earn your Badge for the Grammar Police?

[@peopleareajoke]

Don't you know the current trend is to erase any history that makes the United States look good at all. The only thing they teach about World War II in school today is the fact that we dropped a nuclear weapon but they don't tell why. As long as we keep letting them change history it's our fault also.

[@THE-HammerMan]

I support your sentiments completely. You said it quite well; I'm afraid in today's "PC" world where we in the US have literally thrown moral values and reverence for God under the bus, that this would cause such a panic if shown in schools that you wouldn't believe it possible. Sad, but it won't happen. Truly, this country has degraded beyond repair thanks to left wing liberals and democrats who want to erase all that is good, historical and more than anything "religious" from everyday life and in schools.

[@waterheaterservices]

@@THE-HammerMan That is NOT Party Approved Correct Thinking and Speech.

[@auser7852]

As a Brit, I believe Eisenhower to be one of the finest military leaders in history and pivitol to the success of the Western Europe campaign. Having to deal with the diplomatic, political and military dynamics of such a huge enterprise must have been incredibly stressful. Patton, Bradley and Montgomery might have got the headlines but he is the one who put the whole paper together. What an interview this is!

[@thevillaaston7811]

Rubbish.

[@jshepard152]

@@thevillaaston7811 But you can't be bothered to even say how it's rubbish.

[@thevillaaston7811]

@@jshepard152 'Eisenhower to be one of the finest military leaders in history and pivitol to the success of the Western Europe campaign.' Eisenhower made a mess of the landings in Italy, he was nowhere near the operations in Normandy, whee things went well. He made a mess of a winning situation when he took over as land forces commander in September 1944. 'Having to deal with the diplomatic, political and military dynamics of such a huge enterprise must have been incredibly stressful.' Stress was when your homeland was under threat, as it as for British and Russian leaders. The USA was 3,000 miles from any fighting.

[@Shellshock1918]

Ike’s final words are so heartfelt and touching. I doubt anyone else could have said it better.

[@croatianguy7073]

I love Dwight D. Eisenhower. A great man put into a very difficult situation. He was also president of the USA. Nothing but respect for the man.

[@paysour1]

WOW, I have never seen such a great interview. I never heard President Eisenhower talk so much before. WOW I am so suprised I thought I had seen it all. WOW!

[@tommytbone9778]

there`s a lot more of him out there, Lad... The General of my Da`s Army Air Corp & my 1st Republican I voted for in `56 and I know he`d never recognize our party today.. You`d love the 2 hour youtube D-Day Allie advance prep they have available

[@fuckbiden375]

I am in awe listening to how eloquently Eisenhower talks (as a former President) compared to our current President. Unlike all modern Presidents, he is not addressed as “Mr. President”, but rather as “General”. A testament to a man who isn’t corrupted by the power and prestige of the Presidential title, but a man who is proud and honored to be the General to his troops. I wish we had true statesmen leading this country again!

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

The end of this video was very moving. Can you imagine sitting in a cemetery of 10,000 men all of whom died because of orders you gave? What an oppressive emotional weight that must have been for him.

[@fyivid]

"Ah, I gotta get to bed. Get an early start, hit the gym before work. Just quick look at KZbin. A cool, Eisenhower talking about D-Day, just a brief look" ...Aaaand of course I saw the whole thing. Additionally, I started reading more about D-Day until 5 in the morning, and had a tough day at work. But this was so worth the watch. Simply brilliant.

[@bobtaylor170]

I'm old, 72, and your comment gladdened me. I'm very happy there are still people around who have a sense of greatness, and of what is important and lasting.

[@carpetfarmer]

General/President Eisenhower should have his own monument in DC

[@waterheaterservices]

The Obamaists and Sanderists would trash it.

[@PJCochrane]

@@waterheaterservices so no registered Democrat or Independent served in the military or can study and appreciate military history? What an incredibly generalized statement to make. The greatest soldier I ever knew was a Democrat who hated what was happening under the Republicans, and he went ashore at Omaha. I'm a registered Democrat and I served, and I have studied military history for 20 years so please try to engage your brain before saying such things.

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

@@PJCochrane they didn't say all liberals like that, they said some would destroy it, and they would've destroyed it in our current time.

[@Lucky-sh1dm]

Fliegenklatsche say it louder please for the people in the back

[@mikesecor6074]

they would try to tear it down.Why?Just because.

[@Dashi18n]

Having been there at D-Day plus 75 years, it was truly an honor to get to meet, spend time, and share jokes and stories with the few remaining brave men that stormed the beaches

[@vipwanrinkle6439]

crazy to think about how this was aired 60 years ago and in another 20 years the landings will have been a whole century ago

[@holgate1970]

Eisenhower was great General, Patriot, and true gentleman. This documentary should be a maditory part of our school curriculum. Many thanks to our military service man and woman.

[@BRuane-pw6xq]

IKE and George Marshall were the George Washington s of the 20th Century. We were fortunate that we were blessed with Men like this. May They Rest In Peace.

[@siggifreud812]

@@BRuane-pw6xq don't forget bradley. he was the logistics genius.

[@scottishbombolini7794]

Such a humble man, God bless him.

[@theciakilledjfk5973]

That's why Monty hated him.

[@krisfrederick5001]

Absolutely, complete opposite of Monty

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

@@krisfrederick5001 Monty just didn't want to accept that his greatest moment was El Alamein.

[@Freshstart6354]

@@andrewpestotnik5495 --- With American tanks, food, & supplies!

[@thevillaaston7811]

@@Freshstart6354 'With American tanks, food, & supplies!' Would you like to know what the proprtion of American items were?

[@djc7378]

I recently worked on a construction site called victory oak as the oak tree was planted by Eisenhower it was in ring wood Hampshire England , the streets were named after the beaches in Normandy quite good I thought 👍

[@bill9540]

Nice memory ..thanks from🇺🇸

[@wrath-of-bath1920]

What a sharp mind. 20 years later details it like it was yesterday... Impressive man. I miss this kind of America...

[@MartinLopez-mo7tm]

This documentary is priceless. It is the narratation of the story of D-day and the battle of Normandy by the man himself. Cronkite simply splices it.

[@robertgasawayjr4853]

Tomlinson) Malone Movie

[@jamesb.9155]

Eisenhower (1890 - 1969) did a brilliant job of minimizing the issues of personality between the generals under his command. He was an optimistic, cheerful, fair minded, nice guy, who could listen to others - part of what made him the gifted, effective, likable leader he was. I knew an old Lt Colonel from WWII who knew & thought very highly of General Eisenhower. Those guys are all long gone.

[@farmrrick]

When you listen and watch this you realize what a smart leader we had in Eisenhower. I hope we can find more like him and less of the empty shells we've had since .

[@twoheadeddatascientist3289]

Beautiful video. Eisenhower, before D-Day, was more worried than the soldiers sent to their missions. He would meet paratroopers-of the 101st Airborne Division-to give them encouragement. However they were already motivated; Eisenhower was more worried than them. He cared deeply for his men. He was a great leader.

[@andrewkawaoka634]

I noticed everytime I see Ike talking to the press about D-Day, theirs tears in his eyes and voice, some of Ike died too on D-Day

[@JustDoinFlorida]

Gotta love how Ike just told it like it was and didn’t beat around the bush. Every question Walter asked was answered quickly with almost zero hesitation.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Although, and with respect, the title of the 'pontoons', the Mulberries, seemed to elude his recall and after the stormy weather loss at Utah, the successful emplacement at Arromanches was SO important to the mission. Can anyone imagine WHAT, had the assault been beaten back into the Ditch ¿?

[@jordansmith8880]

Wow. 20 years studying Normandy and this was the best education ever. Ike was a true man.

[@umavidalongedecasa]

THIS IS SO MUCH GOLD!! I am glad we have youtube now.

[@elizabethgrabeck970]

Just seeing this, to hear Eisenhower talk about the war and the strategies is amazing to know the planning of D-Day, when he said it was reported there was a tear in his eye, his response, its a natural human response, very humble man considering his position

[@rabczanska]

General Eisenhower was so gracious in giving credit to others and claiming luck on his behalf.

[@msquaretheoriginal]

That's what made him so effective handling egos like Montgomery and Patton.

[@nigeh5326]

That’s part of why he got the job, because he could handle big egos better than most. Don’t forget he also had to deal with Churchill, FDR and the rest

[@andrewkawaoka634]

Ike would take full blame if invasion failed, wow, very humble leader, invasion would have failed if any wheel chair general was in charge

[@JeffW77]

I remember watching this show in June 1964. I was eight years old--watching with my father who was a navy vet in Pacific.

[@mariagarcia9395]

Wow how interesting! Do you remember what he had to say? What his opinion of Ike was?

[@roncobb9837]

Ha, me too ! Your old man was covering mine, my dad was very appreciative of the air cover. I miss them all.

[@sac2la]

This is a priceless gem and possibly one of the best videos I have come across on You Tube. The greatest general of the 20th century and hero of WWII with the most trusted man in America. I do not understand how anyone could have the audacity to dislike this.

[@jacobtrujillo9469]

Humbling to watch. One of the best documentaries you will see. Tremendous.

[@retrocny5625]

God bless you Ike. He died roughly 5 years after this interview. The soldiers who fought in this war at the very least got to take some solace in fighting under a man like Eisenhower, who clearly cared deeply for the average troopers and the boys on the front lines. He seemed like an ordinary man, humble and well-spoken. Wasn't too big for his britches.

[@andrewkawaoka634]

Ike didn't care for ink ink the newspaper

[@wonjubhoy]

This was shown in disciplining Patton for treating a soldier badly. Ike was always respectful to his allies.

[@ivangamez9773]

Ike valued human life and allowed the Russians to take Berlin in order to save American soldier lives.

[@aeroAdvocate]

@@ivangamez9773 and that set the scene for the cold war and gave the Russians an advantage for the next 45 years. It was the wrong decision from a strategic perspective.

[@lawv804]

@@aeroAdvocate How Germany was going to be divided had already been agreed between FDR, Stalin, and Churchill at the Yalta Conference months before the Soviets took Berlin.

[@rongendron8705]

In 1964, i saw this t.v. special while I had a 15 day leave after completing Army Basic training at Ft. Dix, N.J. The next day, I went back to start the next phase of training! I have never seen this special since then & it brings back a lot of memories of my youth! Since I was only born in 1946, (after WW II), it's hard to think how little time had elapsed from D-Day to when this show was made! p.s. My last grandchild (Luke) was born June 6th, 2014, on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day!

[@pauljackson4075]

What a treasure this video is! To be able to hear the supreme allied commander describe the events as he remembered them is a true privilege! And no one could have conducted the interview better than Walter Cronkite! Nicely done CBS!

[@duaneholcomb8408]

The greatest generation. Many gave the ultimate price. And. Never came home to see there loved ones How much we do owe these brave men and woman. Words will never be enough. ,,,,God bless you,,,,

[@richardtallent8175]

Thank you CBS for re releasing this. Much appreciated. Thanks.

[@richardtallent8175]

One of my mom's uncle's landed at Utah beach with the 4th infantry division. Then got to help liberate Paris. Thanks.

[@tee1up785]

June 2020 for me. Glad it finally came up in my recommendation.

[@markt7291]

From a great General who cares deeply for the men that fought that day and through to victory.

[@whiskeychicken]

Imagine heaving leaders and journalism of this quality today.

[@tommytbone9778]

each network would want their own General lol, their own Russian and their own weather report... I loved my GrandPa`s stories when he was throwin the ball around with us in his back yard better

[@HTub-bo2yl]

News was added as a service, evening news was 15 minutes and was not done for money.

[@watchalay74]

We have them. Trump will put them in jail if he has the chance.

[@stephenhill545]

It was the MSM. They just didn't see it so critically as some today.

[@michaellemick4193]

My dad was a mechanic in a photo recon squadron stationed in England. He was on guard duty the night of June 5th and one of the airborne convoys flew over his base. He said that it was the most amazing thing he'd ever seen (and heard).

[@smacdiesel]

This video has been absent from public view for a long time. During the 1990's it re-aired(I missed it) for the 50th anniversary of the invasion. I was a graduate student of history at the time and was writing a masters thesis about Eisenhower and his post-war pursuit for a unified and peaceful Europe. So glad I finally got to watch it, I especially enjoyed his reflections about meeting and talking to the 101st Airborne troopers. He was so upset afterwards, being told about the extreme casualties that was supposed to follow. This is pure history here, what an awesome interview.

[@frankmarano7530]

Eisenhower’s concluding remarks must be taught to all Americans, so that the people know about sacrifice to preserve freedom. Priceless wisdom

[@AmosMosesJr]

Sounds so presidential

[@gordondeprest]

From 1,17:10 to the end is incredibly well said and should give everyone who values freedom and liberty all the reason you need to show respect for our military, our Flag and our nation.

[@groth3395]

not just Americans....but the world....including the Mid-East

[@rando105]

I agree I'm late by 3 years but he seems like a great person from what I know about him now

[@nkristianschmidt]

they died for Bretton Woods and a communist Poland, and with a lag, a communist China.

[@cfunk10]

Wow, so lucky that this was recorded. Just got back from a Normandy visit. The visit to the American Cemetery was an unbelievable and unforgettable experience.

[@joshmaddalone901]

America needs a man like Eisenhower again.

[@joes5798]

AMEN!

[@nomadhomad3685]

And not some General Bonespurs

[@watchalay74]

We have one. President Biden!

[@thomasniner001]

As a public school teacher for 37 years I used this video when I taught about WW2. I would also show D-day from a foot soldier's prospective . This is like going back and interviewing Gen. Washington on the battle of Yorktown. National Archives material!

[@billkohrman107]

Mr Jones, GOD BLESS YOU! In this day n age where most teachers seem to come out of the left-leaning colleges and the kids of today haven,t a clue of what happened n why during WWII, your students will have an understanding of the history of they era. It is my belief that is the reason (one of them) so many are turning into socialists/rioters/arsonists/looters/anarchists.

[@mikerubin22]

General/President Eisenhower was a legendary great American.

[@SeverSTL]

@David Kopp yea right

[@TheJacobshapiro]

@David Kopp Patton was an egomaniac who was great at marketing. Bradley and others were better strategists, Patton was better at talking himself up to the American public.

[@theminorityshack7071]

@David Kopp Took a little too much meth today?

[@SanDiegoPsychology]

@David Kopp Dear lord. What rock do you people live under because there seems to be quite a crowd and it should be avoided.

[@davidb6576]

@David Kopp Psst! Your tin foil hat needs adjusting, it's letting all your brains leak out. And stop giving "Davids" a bad name!

[@476233]

I was only born in 1990, but always looked to Ike as such a powerful leader during WW2. This does not disappoint. It’s nice to know not only was he a great leader, but also a good person. Kind, humble, honest, intelligent, and a nice sense of humor. You can tell he really cared about his role. I’m so grateful to hear him talk and to get to experience him myself!

[@terry4137]

😂

[@476233]

@@terry4137 I’m not really sure in what context this is funny. Care to explain or inform me?

[@bobtaylor170]

​@@476233terry obviously lacks the qualities which make someone a serious person. On the other hand, you, clearly, do not. I'm 72, and it does my soul good to know that much younger people such as you are around.

[@concurtin4936]

Thank you so much for this interview I’m looking at it 2024 and it’s a great reminder of what older generations had to go through

[@AN5WER321]

I am so happy I found this. That Winston Churchill and King George story though. Wow!

[@T-1001]

I think the King knew his man on that one. 'If you're going, I'm coming too'. Which obviously couldn't happen.

[@backsides14]

I watched this with my Dad when I was s boy. I re-watch it every few years to help keep my perspective of the world on an even keel.

[@flappypancake85]

When I was little I used to feel that those of 18 years were indeed adults. Now that I am 18, my heart aches knowing that those were not men. They were still boys. Boys who were attempting to find themselves in their lives but were ultimately called to action. Most lived, the unlucky ones did not. So many kids who could’ve gone on to have successful and fulfilling lives, stopped dead by German 8mm. I hope we never have such an awful war again.

[@marjorjorietillman856]

My mom was still a kid, so I wasn’t around yet, but this whole WW2 mission was definitely a just cause ! And no General is perfect, but I was impressed with the humbleness of Eisenhower, and how much he was always thinking about how precious the lives of each soldier was. I can see why he was chosen to be the leader!

[@dogsbd]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2560">42:40</a> I love that General Eisenhower drove the jeep.

[@26michaeluk]

Like a BOSS.

[@thomasdye6424]

Former Presidents are no longer allowed to drive themselves. Ike at the wheel is another bit of history.

[@BoldWittyName]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3332">55:32</a> Eisenhower explaining to a French citizen why their town was of supreme tactical importance for Dday, is I think, the best thing I will find on KZbin in 2020. "Well, you see we were starting this invasion..." LOL! Pure.

[@namcat53]

My Uncle was at D Day+2 and The Battle of the Bulge and survived; my Dad fought in Italy and stayed in the Army for decades after. I grew up listening to President Eisenhower and Walter Cronkite and it's very emotional hearing their voices again and the evocative music of CBS Reports in this amazing documentary. All my thanks and never ending admiration for all the Allied soldiers and Resistance fighters who defeated fascist tyranny in World War II.

[@jamesb.9155]

Five Star General and 34th President of the United States of America, Dwight David Eisenhower, is one of the greatest Americans of all times.