Fortresses rock Galati from Soviet bases
Luftwaffe station in Romania bombed in first blow since U.S. shuttle to Russia
By W. H. Lawrence
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Invasion cuts job of Atlantic Fleet
Adm. Ingersoll: Supply task now is to keep ‘expenditures replaced’
Washington – (June 6)
All the American men and material needed for the invasion of Europe had been convoyed to the United Kingdom by the Atlantic Fleet, and now the fleet’s greatly reduced job will be to keep the “expenditures replaced,” Adm. Royal E. Ingersoll, Atlantic Fleet commander, declared here today.
Adm. Ingersoll, who attended a press conference with James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, and Adm. Ernest J. King, Commander-in-Chief of the fleet, also said that Atlantic Fleet warships, from “battleships down,” and Navy aircraft based in the United Kingdom were aiding the invasion.
U.S. battleships, he declared, were presumably bombarding German concrete shore defenses as they did in the Marshalls invasion, where at Kwajalein the Pacific war craft moved within 1,200 yards of the shore.
Adm. Ingersoll is regarded in the Navy as one of the unsung heroes of the war, for it was his Atlantic Fleet that escorted the troops and munitions to Great Britain and the Mediterranean and also won the Battle of the Atlantic against submarines. Adm. King introduced the publicity-shy Adm. Ingersoll as “a great sea officer and a great commander.”
Adm. Ingersoll emphasized that the men and material needed for the invasion were in place, and that the Atlantic Fleet’s job should now be easier while taking care of invasion needs from this point on.
Furthermore, he declared, although there have been reports that the U-boat packs would return to the Atlantic when the invasion started to prey on communication lines from America to England, this threat “is not yet in evidence.”
Adm. Ingersoll said that since Jan. 1, 1942, the Atlantic Fleet has escorted more than 7,000 across the Atlantic “and only lost ten,” and none of these was a troopship. There were other ship losses in the Atlantic, he added, but those occurred among ships not escorted by the fleet.
The admiral said the Germans “gave us some bad knocks in the beginning,” but despite this, the men and munitions got through.
The pre-invasion battle with the U-boats was a battle of wits and scientific developments, in which the Nazis sometimes were ahead of us, and we fortunately were usually ahead of them, he said.
Nazi planes still remain a threat, Adm. Ingersoll reported. In the Mediterranean within the last two to three weeks, a convoy of more than 100 ships was attacked by 40 German aircraft, he revealed. The convoy fought off the raiders by itself, shooting down 18-20 of them and not losing a ship.
Adm. Ingersoll said that as of last Saturday, the Atlantic had 1,511 ships assigned to it for duty or training.
Portugal cuts off wolfram to Reich
Allied diplomatic victory on invasion eve shuts mines for steel-hardening ore
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Hull calls fight all-time ‘pivotal’
‘Cause of mankind never more truly represented,’ he says; Pershing confident
Washington – (June 6)
Secretary of State Hull, vacationing in Hershey, Pennsylvania, said today that the Allied invasion armies were “waging the most pivotal battle of all time.”
Edward R. Stettinius Jr., Acting Secretary of State, declared that “the liberation of Europe has now begun.”
Andrei A. Gromyko, the Soviet Ambassador, looked to “a speedy and complete victory over the enemy.”
The Norwegian Embassy declared that the men and women of Norway “salute their comrades in arms in the firm hope that D-Day is Doomsday for the tyrants and Resurrection Day for the civilized world.”
Manuel L. Quezon, President of the Philippines, broadcast from Saranac Lake, New York, to his people that “every blow struck for freedom anywhere in the world is a blow struck for our own freedom,” and that “day by day the forces of liberation are advancing irresistibly toward the Philippines.”
Labor pledges made
American labor pledged its all-out support on the home front.
William Green, president of the AFL, in a telegram to the presidents of all affiliates, called for uninterrupted production “under any and all circumstances.” He said:
Until Hitler is crushed, every worker enrolled in the army of production must consider himself part of the invasion forces of the United States and conduct himself accordingly.
Philip Murray, president of the CIO, in a message to President Roosevelt, declared that no CIO member on the home front ever “by thought, word or action will be untrue to our fighting men and to the great goal of our victory effort.” He pledged “our complete loyalty in any steps or any sacrifices that may be necessary” and asserted:
No violation of our no-strike pledge can be tolerated by the consciences of our members.
Mr. Stettinius told his press conference that he and Mr. Hull were in communication concerning the invasion before daylight and that the State Department was keeping in constant touch with the War Department on the situation.
Statement by Hull
The statement by Mr. Hull was as follows:
Our brave Allied armies today waging the most pivotal battle of all time never more truly represented the cause of liberty and of mankind.
The forces of savagery desperately endeavoring to destroy the human race are making their last stand. While we fight and pray, and while we know that the fighting will be hard, we confidently look forward to a great historic Allied victory. We must then pledge our all that never again shall the forces of human destruction be let loose on the world.
Mr. Stettinius issued this statement:
freedom from suffering and oppression is at last on the horizon. For the people of China and the Far East also, this day heralds the beginning of a new era.
Our men and those of our Allies are making the supreme sacrifice in order that we and all men may live in peace and freedom. For us at home this is the time not for rejoicing – that can come later – but for every one of us to put everything he has into his job to speed the day of victory.
Soviet envoy’s statement
Ambassador Gromyko’s statement was as follows:
Very good and encouraging news. The catastrophe of fascist Germany is drawing nearer. What Hitler and his criminal clique have dreaded most has happened. Germany is forced to carry on the war on two fronts.
The Soviet people wish all success to our Allies in this most important military undertaking, which is speeding up our common victory over the mortal enemy of mankind – Hitlerite Germany. I am sure that the American soldiers and officers, as well as other Allied forces taking part in this operation, will exhibit staunchness and bravery worthy of this event.
There is no doubt that the combined blows of the powerful Allied coalition will insure a speedy and complete victory over the enemy.
Certainty in five weeks
That is period fixed in capital and President is said to base plans on it
By Arthur Krock
Washington – (June 6)
Members of the government were advised this forenoon that the invasion to liberate Europe was keeping exact pace with Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s timetable. They were informed that, up to the moment of this report, men, ships, aircraft and supplies had reached the destinations planned for them to reach today and at the time appointed.
In the late afternoon, the relation of the invasion to the timetable was said to be unchanged.
But only a very few high officials were given, with any exactitude, an idea of how long the military and naval commanders believe will be required before the operation under Gen. Eisenhower can be set down as an unqualified success, a general success, a moderate success, a stalemate or a defeat. This period was placed at a maximum of five weeks from June 6, or about July 11. The President, it is understood, is basing his summer plans on this calculation. Where he will go and when, and in some degree what he will do (including possible conferences abroad), will be governed by the progress of the invasion in these five weeks and its final outcome.
Air battles are expected
A military authority explained today that the lapse of time was fixed conservatively and that unforeseen events may reduce. But probably will not extend, it. He said the period will probably include one or more great air battles in which the Luftwaffe will still be able to give an account of itself. If it is virtually destroyed in one battle, since replacement facilities are believed to be inadequate, that will shorten the time. If two battles are required, the decision will be retarded that much.
He said further that the Germans can be expected to put great weight behind delaying actions until they have had to assemble as much manpower and supply as they can from their eastern and southern fronts in preparation for the great infantry and artillery battle which most authorities think will have to be fought before the road to Berlin is opened. During that time, the problem of the Allies will be to maintain and increase strength and broaden their lines of supply which, being by water, are subject to more obstacles from nature than the Germans will encounter over land.
Too early to celebrate
For these reasons and others, five weeks has been set as the period that must be passed before definite conclusions can be reached. High government officials, to whom with the President this calculation has been imparted, trust that the public will not be led by hope or native optimism to expect quick and crushing victory and the same low percentage of losses the Allies had on the first day. One of these said today that it is not yet the time to celebrate the toss harts in the air. This, he remarked, is not Armistice Day, though some people are behaving as if it was.
In the proving period of five weeks, the Republican National Convention will have met and adjourned, but there will still be nine days before the opening of the Democratic Party gathering. Thus, if the final decision does not come much more quickly, its outcome will be in doubt while the Republicans deliberate and after they have nominated their candidates for President and Vice President and adopted a platform. But the Democrats and all involved in their convention will be able to reach their conclusions (as to candidacy and otherwise) after the event.
Gripsholm docks with 51 wounded
Returning soldiers are happy over invasion; only 37 civilians on the ship
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Congress marks day with prayers
Members voice confidence in our arms, then resume old party contentiousness
Washington – (June 6)
Congress was stirred deeply by word that the Allied invasion of continental Europe from the north was on and turned today to prayers for speed and complete victory with a minimum of human losses.
The members voiced confidence in the skills and plans of our military and naval leaders.
“Grant that on this D-Day of liberation,” was the supplication of the Rev. Dr. Frederick Brown Harris, chaplain of the Senate, “weapons of freedom forged in fires of faith may pierce the shields of pagan steel and the cruel invaders’ walls, reared in treachery and tyranny and oppression, may crumble and fall at the boast of Allied might.
Upon our dear boys in this fearful baptism of fire, of whom we think today with special tenderness, lifting them up on the winds of our intercession as knights of Thy Righteous will, and upon the hosts of oppressed now at last to emerge from dark dungeons of thralldom pour thy enabling grave as together they strike the blow on that fair and storied land where the grapes of wrath are stored.
We pray today, this day of days, for our enemies with calloused hearts and warped minds and poisoned conceptions. Forgive them, they know not what they do.
In the House, the Rev. Dr. James Shera Montgomery prayed:
In our prayer, we bring unto Thee our heroic sons and daughters of the battle lines who have surrendered their secret hoys, their aspirations and the blessings of the years. Amid the walls and bulwarks of savage war embrace them in Thy fatherly arms, reveal Thyself unto them in mercy and hide not Thy face from them; comfort them in the face of all adversaries as their swords of righteousness prevail.
In the Senate and House, heads were bowed in silent prayer. Senators joined in reciting the 23rd Psalm. The prayer composed last night by President Roosevelt was read in both chambers.
Senator Alben W. Barkley, Majority Leader, said:
I am sure I speak the sentiment of the Senate, when I say that we all recognize the solemnity of this hour, the great, tragic importance of the events which are now in our minds and hearts, and that all we need to do, and all we probably should do now, or can do, is to pray fervently and devoutly for the success of our troops and those of our allies.
Senator Wallace H. White Jr., Minority Leader, said that the day was shadowed by the possibilities of disaster, but in it there was the substantial promise of a glorious ending.
The spirit of unity left the House as the day progress and as it continued its contest over legislation designed to extend the statute of limitations on court-martial proceedings against RAdm. Husband E. Kimmel and Maj. Gen. Walter C. Short, commanders at Pearl Harbor.
Party lines were drawn as Republicans succeeded in extending the limitation for only three months.
In the Senate, consideration of the bill to extend the Emergency Price Control and Stabilization Acts led to sharp criticism, mostly by Democrats, of the lack of flexibility in the OPA.
City greets news quietly, solemnly
No noisy outbursts, no large crowds, but calm confidence marks reaction to invasion
By Russell Porter
The people of New York City received the invasion news calmly. There was no celebration, no outburst of enthusiasm, no sign of fear or depression. The prevailing mood was one of deep solemnity, of sober realization that this was only the beginning, that the road might be hard and bloody and that many might lose sons and brothers before the battle was won.
At first the atmosphere was charged with anxiety and worry as the majority of New Yorkers awakened to gain their first information on the landings. Later, as the good news came in of initial successes and unexpectedly light losses, a feeling of quiet confidence and encouragement spread throughout the city. In every section of the five boroughs there were faith and hope in victory and the safety of U.S. and Allied soldiers and sailors. This spirit of quiet confidence was typical of the whole nation’s reaction to D-Day.
Churches held special services
Two attitudes were characteristic of New Yorkers on this most momentous day in American and world history. One was the kneeling posture, head bowed, eyes cast down in prayer; the other was the upright stance, head lifted, eyes raised to read the news on bulletin boards and electric signs. These symbolized the city’s principal reactions – a profound intensification of religious feeling, and a great hunger for news.
The first of these reactions was demonstrated in a spontaneous desire for prayer that swept over the entire city. Churches of every denomination were crowded. Special services were held, special masses and special prayers of intercession were said, special candles were lighted. In schools, hospitals, courtrooms, public buildings, theaters, war plants, stores, stock exchanges and other places where people congregate, routine proceedings were halted for brief prayers or moments of silence in tribute and respect to the armies of liberation. Hymns were sung at D-Day assemblies in the public schools, which held one-minute periods of silent devotion. Audiences stood with bowed heads in the theaters.
Mayor leads in prayer
Mayor La Guardia led a prayer in City Hall for the success of the Allied troops and for the comfort of mothers and wives of the soldiers and sailors. Archbishop Francis J. Spellman of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, read a “Prayer for America” at mass and later over the radio – a prayer he had composed himself, for a “just, merciful and wise” victory, for “guidance for our leaders” and “protection for our sons.” Bishop William T. Manning, officiating at the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine, prayed for “speedy victory for the forces of right and freedom for the sake of all mankind,” and for “a righteous peace.” Rabbi Samuel H. Goldstein of Temple Emanu-El gave thanks for the fighting men of this and all the United Nations who have left their homes to liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny and “establish justice among men and righteousness among peoples.”
All the churches and synagogues were open, from the big cathedrals to the smallest houses of worship and meeting halls. Fifty thousand attended a public prayer meeting at the Eternal Light in Madison Square.
The religious fervor was accompanied by a quick upsurge of patriotism, demonstrated particularly in a rush of blood donors to the Red Cross and in accelerated sales of war bonds and stamps.
The overwhelming demand for news from the front made itself felt on all sides. People gathered around the radios in their homes, in stores, in restaurants and bars, in taxis parked in the street and elsewhere, to get the latest bulletins, watched newsflashes on movie screens or waited at the newsstands for successive editions of the newspapers with the details.
Everywhere in the city the same spirit was reported. From the luxury apartments of Park Avenue to the tenements of the Lower East Side and Harlem, the German-American section in Yorkville and Little Italy, Chinatown and all such settlements, all the elements in New York’s melting pot reached in the same way.
Fifth Avenue, the city’s great showplace, was decked with American and Allied flags. The doors of the big churches in the avenue were flung wide open, and people kept going in and out all day long. Some of the big department stores closed at 1:00 p.m., others at 4:00 p.m. – out shut down for the entire day – so that their employees could attend church services. Many business officers closed early or gave their workers long lunch hours for the same purpose.
Large crowds are lacking
Except for the churchgoers, there were no unusual crowds. It was apparent that war workers had stuck to their jobs turning out more equipment for the Armed Forces instead of taking the day off to rush into the streets and demonstrate.
This was also true in Times Square, where people lined the sidewalks to watch the electric bulletins on The New York Times Tower but did not congregate in abnormal fashion; in Wall Street, and in the other main thoroughfares throughout the greater city.
If anything, the street crowds in the center of the city were smaller than normal yesterday and last night, presumably because people were staying home to listen to the radio and read the papers.
President Roosevelt’s invasion prayer was read to the audiences of Broadway theaters, which were crowded last night, as were the nightclubs. The audiences were kept informed of late news developments through announcements from the stage.
In some restaurants, no food or liquor was served during President Roosevelt’s broadcast of his prayer. Radios were turned out so the diners could listen and join in the prayer if they chose, and many did so.
In Wall Street, the buying and selling of stocks and bonds was halted briefly at both the New York Stock Exchange and the Curb Exchange while prayers were offered.
Wounded veterans of the Italian, North African and Pacific campaigns in this war joined in the prayers at the veterans’ hospitals in the city, while veterans of world War I took part in nonsectarian services held by American Legion posts and other veterans’ organizations. They made heartfelt pleas that casualties would be light in the Battle of Europe.
Soldiers and sailors of the United States and the allies, especially British and Canadian soldiers and British and French sailors, appeared on the streets in the usual numbers and were eyed with even more than the ordinary respect. They appeared to share the solemn mood of civilians. There did not seem to be as much skylarking as usual among the men on leave in the big city. Last night, they were not roistering around streets to any great extent. On the contrary, they were sitting in the United Service Organizations and other canteens, their ears glued to the radios, or their eyes fastened on the newspapers, just like everybody else.
Allied rule works smoothly in Rome
AMG pleased with relatively minor damage; Nazi looting believed at minimum
By Milton Bracker
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Bangkok is hit from air in heaviest blow of war
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Dempsey leads in New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico (AP) – (June 6)
Governor John J. Dempsey, seeking renomination on the Democratic ticket, had a lead tonight of 604 votes to 97 for Mrs. Edna Peterson of Albuquerque, on the basis of unofficial and incomplete returns from thirteen of New Mexico’s 900 voting points in the primary. In the contest for the Republican governorship nomination, unofficial, incomplete returns from 11 precincts gave Gallup banker Glenn L. Emmons 129 votes to 117 for former legislator Carroll G. Gunderson.
Allies cut up foe around Myitkyina
Take a Japanese position on edge of Burma city; Chinese gain in Mogaung Valley
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Americans on Biak gain half a mile
Clean up Japanese snipers on ridge blocking path to Mokme Airstrip
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Truk among targets in series of attacks
Army, Navy and Marine fliers hit foe on Pacific isles
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Japanese sinkings by U.S. rise fivefold
Forrestal hails our Pacific initiative; shipbuilding up
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House votes trial for Short, Kimmel
Debates along party lines and then divides 305–35 on courts-martial by fall
By Kathleen McLaughlin
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Eisenhower hails West Point class as 474 get commissions in Army
Invasion chief in message states ‘faith in America and her young leaders’ – Somervell praises equipment of our forces
By Frank S. Davis
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Thousands attend church services
Record of London’s bow bells, heard in Times Square at 4:00 a.m., calls city to worship
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D-DAY SEES SPORTS TAKE A ‘TIMEOUT’
Major and most minor league baseball games off along with boxing programs
No racing at aqueduct; programs at Boston. Chicago, Detroit tracks suspended; will resume today
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FOOD IS READY HERE FOR INVADED LANDS
Butter, cheese and eggs not included in huge stores set aside at start of year
Meat is the chief item; most of it is pork, less than tenth beef; more to be allocated as needed
By Jefferson G. Bell
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Decorations given to 92 war nurses
Col. Blanchfield tells convention of awards for wounds, devotion, heroism
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House women aid poll
Named by Spangler to advise Republican campaign
Washington – (June 6)
The six Republican women members of Congress were named today by Harrison E. Spangler, chairman of the Republican National Committee, to a special women’s advisory committee for the 1944 campaign.
All except Rep. Winifred Stanley of New York, absent on a speaking engagement, attended a luncheon conference with Mr. Spangler at which he expressed great pride in “the largest contingent of women Representatives of any one party serving at one time” and said that it was “fitting they should be the original members of the Woman’s Advisory Committee.”
The others names were Reps. Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts, Frances P. Bolton of Ohio, Jessie Sumner of Illinois, Margaret Chase Smith of Maine and Clare Boothe Luce of Connecticut.