Sixty years ago, the "night of nights":
By May 1944, the date for the invasion was set for June 5. Heavy rains and fog prevented the landing that night, and the forward elements of the invasion force were called back. Eisenhower had a tough decision to make. He could order the invasion for June 6, possibly risking worse weather, or wait for the next optimal time two weeks later when the moon was full and the tides were low enough.RAF Group Captain Stagg, the Allied Chief Meteorologist, gave his best estimates for the coming night’s weather to Eisenhower and his staff on the afternoon of June 5, 1944. The airborne elements would need notification soon if they were to go. Eisenhower polled his staff; Montgomery said, "Go! Go!" and Eisenhower took a short walk with a reporter. He returned and ordered the largest amphibious operation in history to begin. That afternoon, he met with troopers of the 101st Airborne, watching as their C-47 Dakota transports and Waco gliders took off. One witness claimed he had tears in his eyes. Airborne casualties were expected to be 60%.
Operation Overlord was about to begin. The invasion of France had come.
Those happy few; the band of brothers.