Eighty-two years ago today, Allied forces went ashore in Normandy, the largest amphibious operation in history. For months before June 6th, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower worked with a staff of thousands to conceive, design, and execute the invasion of Hitler’s Fortress Europa.
Eisenhower, a fellow West Point graduate who was a role model for so many of us, understood that the mantle of command was far, far more than just handing down orders or reminding subordinates who was in charge. The commander’s role is to establish clear objectives, provide the resources and support necessary for success, and - through their example - inspire soldiers in the face of mortal danger. Command is not about privilege or personal glory; it’s about responsibility and accountability.
Before the invasion, Eisenhower issued the following Standing Order to the armies waiting on airfields and troopships:
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Eisenhower understood that he was personally responsible for sending hundreds of thousands of men - from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada – into combat against an experienced, hardened, dug-in German army. He didn’t shy away from this task, nor did he for one moment hold anyone else accountable for the invasion’s outcome.
While his inspirational message went out to millions, Eisenhower scrawled a much more somber note in pencil on a scrap piece of paper. It read:
“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”
General Eisenhower provides many excellent examples of leadership throughout his military career, but these few words illustrate his ethos better than any other.
The stakes of his armies’ mission were far greater than just taking a beach or a landing zone. The objective was nothing less than freeing a continent from the clutches of an autocratic, murderous regime. And if this operation were to fail, the accountability would be his. He didn’t write a note blaming the weather or placing the responsibility on his subordinates. He took full responsibility.
Today, we see too many leaders, perhaps most of our leaders, for whom high office is not an opportunity to serve, but to wield power for its own sake, and in the service of self-aggrandizement and personal enrichment. Leaders who are quick to blame others and who refuse to take accountability. Americans deserve better, much better, from those they choose to represent them - whether that’s at city hall, the state Capitol, or the United States Congress.
When I’m elected in November, I pledge to carry General Eisenhower’s spirit with me: with the opportunity to serve comes the responsibility to do right by my constituents, and the accountability of those elected to positions of public trust.
Seth Bodnar is a West Point graduate. He led an infantry platoon with the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq. He later served and deployed with the Army Special Forces (Green Berets.) Following his military service, Seth worked in GE’s Locomotive Division before being appointed President of the University of Montana. He is running for the US Senate in Montana as an Independent. You can learn more about Seth’s campaign at sethformontana.com.