Most of you have guessed that David is General of the Army Dwight David Eisenhower. Eisenhower was actually born David Dwight Eisenhower; at West Point he changed his first and middle names. There, he also picked up the nickname "Ike."

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Ike’s momentous decision to risk the entire D-Day invasion force on a weather prediction is considered by many historians as one of the most critical of the Second World War. Had Ike shown less resolve on D-Day ? had he been a reasonable man ? the invasion would have been postponed. With more time, Hitler’s forces might have staved off defeat and the world would not have been wiped clean of the curse of Nazism.

I know that I am lucky to have inherited the world that we live in today. It exists only because of the sacrifice, courage and commitment of some truly great human beings; leaders like the ones I just mentioned and thousands more who make a difference, yet we will never read about.

This is a Special Edition of Armchair General to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, the beginning of the great crusade to free Nazi ruled Europe . On June 6, 1944, the door of history swung on tiny hinges. Our world’s future depended on the skill of the airmen who supported the landings; the bravery of the paratroopers who jumped into the moonlit sky; the dedication of the sailors and coastguardsmen manning the battleships, destroyers and landing craft; and the courage of the infantrymen rushing ashore against murderous fire and impossible odds.

We at Armchair General will do everything within our means to tell their stories, reminding our readers that the sacrifices of a few ? yesterday and today ? determine the destiny of our world.

Learn more about Colonel [U.S. Army retired], John Antal here

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