Definition

The specific hour on D-Day when an operation begins, the synchronized moment when everyone stops planning and starts executing. The military's equivalent of "go time" but with more precision and consequences.

Example Usage

H-Hour is 0430—all elements will cross the line of departure simultaneously regardless of earlier delays.

Origin

Military planning terminology, early 20th century

Fun Fact

If D-Day is June 6, H-Hour might be 0630—but if the operation delays, D-Day becomes D+1 while H-Hour stays the same, creating timeline math that confuses historians and veterans alike.

Source: Military operations planning and order formats

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