Monday, July 03, 2006

An Excerpt From Stephen Ambrose's "D-Day"

Ike had these leak problems, too. Difference then was that the Stateside press didn't paste it on the front page. (Think this would be the case today?):


In April [1944], Maj. Gen. Henry Miller, chief supply officer of the U.S. Ninth Air Force and a West Point classmate of Eisenhower's, went to a cocktail party at the Claridge Hotel [London, England]. He began talking freely, complaining about his difficulties in getting supplies but adding that his problems would end after D-Day, which he declared would be before June 15. When challenged on the date, he offered to take bets. General Eisenhower learned of the indiscretion the next morning and acted immediately. He ordered Miller reduced to his permanent rank of colonel and sent him back to the States-the untimate disgrace for a career soldier. Miller protested. Eisenhower insisted, and back he went.

There was another flap in May ['44] when a U.S. Navy officer got drunk at a party and revealed details of impending operations, including areas, lift, strenght, and dates....that officer too was sent back to the States.

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