Several times in 1943 command of the invasion of northern France was promised to General George Marshall, its architect and chief advocate. FDR gave the coveted command to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, assuring Ike, not Marshall, would win the highest battle honors of the war. Why?

Dr. Nigel Hamilton, who has been studying Franklin Roosevelt as U.S. Commander in Chief in WWII, offers a fresh perspective on one of the most debated promotions in history.