Stories of Faith and Courage from World War II

of France:

Today we have lived history. I can’t even describe my sensations when I turned on the radio this morning. Somehow there is a feeling of relief that things have actually started… I am not very optimistic about things coming easily but I can face the future with my chin up and I know that whatever the future holds for us we shall face with courage and dignity… Just took time out to hear the President and then heard Fred Waring’s musical group do “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The most beautiful arrangement I have ever heard…⁴⁵¹

“Onward, Christian Soldiers” was a favorite hymn of my childhood and sung often in the Kingston Presbyterian Church in Conway, South Carolina. It was also sung at the funeral of President Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in March 1969. I am sure the hymn was popular during the World War II era due to its martial flavor and stirring theme. The military overtone may be less in vogue in modern times, but I believe the words of this great hymn are still an invigorating call to action for Christians to unite in the cause of carrying Christ’s gospel to the world:

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.⁴⁵²

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

—2 Timothy 2:3

October 29 Weather for Overlord

The sequence of weather events surrounding Operation Overlord is one of the most miraculous stories of World War II. The D-Day invasion was vastly complex and had many meteorological requirements. A low tide at first light was needed to expose beach obstacles to the assault waves. A full moon after midnight the night before was necessary for airborne operations. June 5 and 6 came closest to meeting these conditions.

Additionally, however, the winds could not be too strong for landing craft and paratroopers. The clouds could not be too low for aircraft. Surf conditions had to be acceptable. The chief meteorologist estimated the odds of all these requirements being met in early summer on the coast of France as fifty or sixty to one.⁴⁵³ On Jun…stormy English Channel seemed to bear out these odds. D-Day on the 5th had to be canceled.

From the German perspective, May seemed a more likely month for the invasion. During periods of good weather in May, coastal defense forces were put on maximum alert. When the weather turned bad in early June, readiness was relaxed and some units were withdrawn from the coast for exercises inland. Conditions were so bad that reconnaissance aircraft could not fly. General Rommel felt that action was so unlikely that he left his headquarters for a visit to Germany.

With ships at sea and all of his forces poised to go, General Eisenhower and his staff agonized over each weather report. A slim chance for a break on June 6 was forecast. The moon and tides would not be right again until June 1920. On this slim hope, Ike finally announced, “OK. We’ll go.”⁴⁵⁴ The weather was not perfect. It was just bad enough to lull the German defenders and just good enough to allow the essential Allied landing operations to proceed successfully.

When gale force winds struck the Normandy coast on June 1920, General Eisenhower sent his chief meteorologist a note saying how thankful he was that they went when they did. He would not have had a second chance. Thanks to this miraculous weather pattern, the greatest invasion in history succeeded.

Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.

—Jonah 1:4

October 30 In Case of Failure

Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based on the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.

—Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, July 5, 1944⁴⁵⁵

This message, if broadcast, would have announced one of the greatest disasters in history: the failure of the Allied invasion of Normandy. It is difficult to imagine the ramifications of such a scenario. Would Germany have had time to fully develop its jet aircraft, missile, and nuclear technologies and to ultimately prevail in “Fortress Europe?” Would the Soviets have conquered more or even all of Europe? Would the United States have eventually used nuclear weapons against Germany?

None of these questions can be answered and, fortunately, don’t have to be. General Eisenhower’s message was a handwritten note found in his belongings by an aide weeks after the invasion. He never had to deliver it to the public.

Although never used, Eisenhower’s “in case of failure” message provides two great insights into the events of D-Day. First, we see into the character of the Supreme Commander himself, with more evidence that he was a decent man. He would never have considered pointing a finger at subordinate commanders or the weather. Second, we have another reminder of just how uncertain success was on D-Day. In retrospect, many events of history may seem inevitable. Only when we go back and look at the details do we see how precarious those events were. The “in case of failure” message fully documents that success on this momentous day was not inevitable.

We should obviously be thankful for the skill of the commanders and the bravery of the troops who achieved this great victory. We should also be thankful for a God whose merciful providence made it possible.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

—1 Corinthians 2:9