General Eisenhower wanted to observe the Normandy Invasion on 6 June, 1944 from the vantage point of the English Channel. His staff forbade him, but on D Day +1 Ike prevailed and boarded an English mine sweeper to observe the proceedings. Gaunt and rawboned, General Eisenhower endured unimaginable stress that year while planning for that day of days. Equipped with his ever-present cup of coffee and cigarette no doubt obscured in his left hand, General Eisenhower walked the tightrope of Supreme Commander balancing the delicate egos of the powerful Allied leaders and commanders. Everything was on the line on that fateful day.