The most complex military operation in human history, hinging on a single decision made in a rainstorm.
June 5th, 1944. A massive storm was battering the English Channel. The invasion fleet—thousands of ships and 150,000 men—was coiled and ready. Delaying meant waiting weeks for the next moon/tide window, risking secrecy leaks. Going meant risking disaster in the waves.
Eisenhower's meteorologist, Group Captain Stagg, predicted a small, temporary break in the weather for June 6th. It was a gamble.
"OK, let's go."
With those massive, simple words, Eisenhower launched the liberation of Europe, taking full personal responsibility for the outcome.
Before the ships departed, Eisenhower wrote a note to be released only if the invasion failed. He kept it in his wallet.
This demonstrates the ultimate burden of supreme command: owning the failure before it even happens.