That small incident illustrates a larger principle. Lacroix consulted with no one. When a key indicator flashed a danger signal, he didn’t pull back to call headquarters for guidance. That was decentralized execution. Based on understanding his commander’s intent, Lacroix decided on his own course of action, and the Crown Jewel was firmly in our hands. Suppose gas pressure had built up, resulting in a severe explosion? In that tragic case, I still would have fully supported Captain Lacroix. Why? Because he had reviewed the situation smartly, weighed the risk factors against what he knew—and
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