This Week in History

On June 6th, 1944, Operation Overlord begins as Allied forces cross the English Channel to attack "Fortress Europe."

In the pre-dawn hours, C47 Dakotas took to the sky in massive ‘V’ formations to carry the 101st and 82nd airborne divisions over the English Channel to landing zones behind German lines. Many pilots were disoriented during night-time evasive maneuvers as anti-aircraft fire erupted from the German coastal batteries. Airborne troops were scattered throughout the French countryside, often miles from their intended drop zones. Likewise, faced with heavier than expected artillery and mortar fire, landing craft dropped their troops off target and occasionally in water over their heads. It is an inauspicious beginning to the Day of Days and the largest amphibious assault the world had ever seen. And yet, the Allies prevailed. Not because of their plan (noun), which was shredded the instant the first shot was fired, but because of their planning (verb), which emphasized small unit tactics and included junior officer and senior enlisted troops in preparing for the D and D+1 objectives.

This reliance on non-general officers to continually assess their situation and (to borrow a phrase) improvise, adapt, and overcome was in stark contrast to the strict hierarchy of the German military. Here are the two main lessons for investors from Operation Overlord:

1) The situation on D-Day was fluid and required rapid adjustments. Members of the Greatest Generation were up to the task, shifting lost troops and stray units to take crucial objectives.Thorough research and due diligence are crucial in investing before making any investment decisions. But your plan won’t win the day unless you are active, flexible, and decisive.

2) The D-Day operation relied on the collaboration of various experts and allied nations. Investors, too, can benefit from seeking advice and leveraging the expertise of professionals.