US Commanders of World War II (1) Army and USAF [Paperback]

James Arnold (Author), Darko Pavlovic (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Elite | Publication Date: September 18, 2002

To be a successful commander requires experience, character, tenacity and boldness: the ability to establish a good rapport with both your staff and your men is also vital. The real test comes in combat though, where a large proportion of luck is involved - the luck to be in the right place at the right time - and lasting reputations can be formed in a very brief and frenetic period. The key US commanders of World War II were subject to (and often gratuitously fostered) the projection of their 'characters', exploiting the growing power of the media. This title examines the careers, personalities and fortunes of the key US Army and Air Force commanders of World War II (1939-1945).

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An unrivalled illustrated reference source on fighting men and commanders, past and present. Each volume is packed with full colour artwork, making military history uniquely accessible to enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

James R. Arnold is an established author who has contributed to numerous military publications. He has many published books to his credit, covering topics such as the Napoleonic campaigns and the battles and armies of the American Civil War. James lives in Virginia, USA. Robert Hargis was born December 7 1959, and gained his BA in History from California State University San Bernadino. A militaria collector for over 25 years, he also has a close involvement in living history presentations. He is married with two children, and lives in California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (September 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841764744
• ISBN-13: 978-1841764740
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #452,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars If Patton Were Alive, He'd Slap the Authors !, November 18, 2002

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Michael J. Lubrano "Minister of Silly Walks" (Staten Island, New York, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: US Commanders of World War II (1) Army and USAF (Paperback)

What could have been an excellent book fails to pass muster on a few counts......For one there are only 8 pages of color plates as opposed to 10 which is the norm for the Elite Series by Osprey. There are quite a few generals in the color plates such as John Wood & Anthony McAuliffe who don't warrant a biography or even a mention in the main text. McAuliffe isn't even mentioned for his "Nuts" ! reply to the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge. Most of the biographies don't tell us anything new & the entry on Patton looks like an essay I did in 5th grade ! General "Jumping Jim" Gavin is depicted in the wrong uniform for the Arnhem operation as the M1942 Paratrooper's uniform had been replaced by Fall of 1944 & is shown as much older than his 37 years at the time. He was after all the youngest US General of WW2, why do you think Ryan O'Neal played him in "A Bridge Too Far" ? & Of course......Pacific Theater commanders get lesser coverage in this lesser volume in the Osprey Series. Recommended, but with reservations.