You have heard, on the anniversary of the battle of El Alamein, the story of one of the greatest advances in this history of this war, leading to the joint operations which have carried Forces of the United Nations into the mainland of Europe.

The offensive at El Alamein, which was launched on October 23rd, was planned to synchronize with the offensive under my command at the other end of North Africa, which was then secretly under way. So I feel it doubly appropriate on this occasion for me to pay tribute to the Eighth Army.

Today, under the inspiring leadership of General Montgomery and the direction of General Alexander, the Eighth Army is fighting side by side with the American and British forces that landed in North Africa. It is a member of the great allied air, ground and naval team which is driving the enemy out of Italy.

The attack at El Alamein and the landings in North Africa marked the culmination of a great achievement in production and preparation in the United States and in the British Empire. The converging allied advances through the desert and through Tunisia were possible because the Home Front gave us the necessary ships, guns, tanks, aircraft and supplies. I would like the relatives and countrymen of the Eighth Army to know that if they are proud of the forces in the field, the fighting men are no less proud of the Home Front workers, who are making possible our military victories.

Since February of last year when they came under my command, I can speak from personal observation and knowledge of the superb quality of the Eighth Army Commander and his officers and men.

I paid my first visit to the Eighth Army and to the Desert Air Force at the time of the battle of Mareth and I have seen them since in Tunisia, in Sicily and recently in Italy. Like the Fifth Army in Italy under General Clark, and like Patton’s forces of Sicily, as well as all the other parts of this military family, General Montgomery’s troops are in great heart. His soldiers have marched hundreds of miles and fought on their feet over some of the toughest country in the world. This is a war where the foot soldier is as important as ever before - the man who carries all he needs on his back and his weapons in his hands. The infantry is the backbone of any army’s success.

Today the Eighth Army is looking forward. Just before we invaded Italy I stood with General Montgomery at Messina to look over the straits towards the hills of the mainland. He said, “You know, last time I was on that Continent I was driven off it.” Knowing him and his men and the allied forces that would be fighting with them I told him with absolute confidence, “You won’t be driven off this time.”

Now the Eighth Army is in the middle of another great campaign, accompanied as always by its comrades of the United Nations fighting in the air, on the land, and on the sea. As Commander-in-Chief in this Theater I have complete confidence in its leaders and in its men; the people of Britain and the Empire have every reason to be proud of them.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER