What does the "D" signify in D-Day,
and the "H" signify in H-Hour?
The terms D-day and H-hour are used for the day and hour on which
a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. They designate
the day and hour of the operation when the day and hour have not
yet been determined, or where secrecy is essential. The letters
are derived from the words for which they stand, "D" for
the day of the invasion and "H" for the hour operations
actually begin. There is but one D-day and one H-hour for all units
participating in a given operation. It is unnecessary to state that
H-hour is on D-day.
When used in combination with figures and plus or minus signs,
these terms indicate the length of time preceding or following a
specific action. Thus, H-3 means 3 hours before H-hour, and D+3
means 3 days after D-day. H+75 minutes means H-hour plus 1 hour
and 15 minutes.
Planning papers for large-scale operations are made up in detail
long before specific dates are set. Thus, orders are issued for
the various steps to be carried out on the D-day or H-hour minus
or plus a certain number or days, hours, or minutes. At the appropriate
time, a subsequent order is issued that states the actual day and
times.
The earliest use of these terms by the U.S. Army that the Center
of Military History has been able to find was during World War I.
In Field Order Number 9, First Army, American Expeditionary Forces,
dated September 7, 1918: "The First Army will attack at H hour
on D day with the object of forcing the evacuation of the St. Mihiel
Salient."
D-day for the invasion of Normandy was set for June 6, 1944, and
that date has been popularly referred to by the short title "D-day."
Source: The General Service Schools, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas,
Combat Orders (Fort Leavenworth, Kansas: The General Service
Schools Press, 1922).
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Last updated 3 October 2003
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