Ok, not literally, but in case you haven't yet seen the piece of paper shown above, its the April 29, 2011 memo by then CIA Director Leon Panetta authorizing the May 1, 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden at his home in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
It reads:
MEMO FOR THE RECORD Apr. 29, 2011, 10:35 a.m.Received phone call from Tom Donilon who stated that the President made a decision with regard to AC1 [Abbottabad Compound 1]. The decision is to proceed with the assault. The timing, operational decision making and control are in Admiral McRaven’s hands. The approval is provided on the risk profile presented to the President. Any additional risks are to be brought back to the President for his consideration. The direction is to go in and get bin Laden and if he is not there, to get out. Those instructions were conveyed to Admiral McRaven at approximately 10:45 am.
Leon Panetta, DCIA
Click here to read more about the historic memo and mission.
