The biggest subterfuge of WWII

On May 29th, 1944, General George S. Patton gave a speech in the southeast of England to the men of the U.S. Army where he spoke of the American desire to win and of how losing was hateful to Americans. As he rose to his crescendo, he said how much he "pitied those sons of bitches we are going up against—by God, I do.” On that same day, General Omar Bradley gave a calmer speech in Somerset, England, to the men under his command about how much rested on the upcoming invasion of northern France and how vital their role was in achieving victory.

Apart from the very different tones of the speeches reflecting the opposite character of the two army commanders, there was another big difference. Patton was addressing an army that didn't exist.

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“A well-researched military history about how getting your enemy to look in the wrong place can be the key to victory. Downing has a good time with his cast of colorful characters. A remarkable war story told with clarity and wit.”—Kirkus Reviews

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