American propaganda leaflet dropped on German paratroopers just prior to the July 11 attack on St. L⌠.
"YOUR LEADERS HAVE PROMISED YOU:
That the Atlantic Wall is closed without gaps. WE HAVE BROKEN THROUGH.
That the Allied troops would not stay for even nine hours on French soil. WE'VE BEEN HERE FOUR WEEKS.
That the coastal harbors have been transformed into unbreakable fortresses. WE HAVE CONQUERED CHERBOURG.
That the German Luftwaffe is invincible. IT HAS DESERTED YOU.
That your weapons are the best in the world. YOU HAVE FELT THE SUPERIORITY OF OUR ARTILLERY.
That victory marches everywhere with the German banners. AND RUSSIA? AND AFRICA? AND ITALY? AND NOW THE WESTERN FRONT?
We, however, promise you:
That through the broken Atlantic Wall, new war materiel and fresh troops will stream into France hourly.
That Cherbourg is only the beginning of coming victories.
That your sacrifice in the sector of St. L⌠ is as senseless as that of your comrades on the Cotentin Peninsula.
That you can save yourselves, for yourselves and Germany, if you will see in time--WHO LIES? WHO SPEAKS THE TRUTH?
________________________
Used with permission from Joseph Balkoski, "Beyond the Beachhead: The 29th Infantry Division in Normandy," (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1989), p. 236-237.
