Overview

Formally titled General of the Army, the five-star general is the highest possible rank awarded in the U.S. Army in modern times and has been awarded to only five men in the nation's history: George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Henry H. Arnold, and Omar N. Bradley. In addition to their rank, these distinguished soldiers all shared the experience of serving or studying at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where they gained the knowledge that would prepare them for command during World War II and the Korean War. In Generals of the Army, James H. Willbanks assembles top military historians to examine the connection between the institution and the success of these exceptional men. Historically known as the intellectual center of the Army, Fort Leavenworth is the oldest active Army post west of Washington, D.C., and one of the most important military installations in the United States. Though there are many biographies of the five-star generals, this innovative study offers a fresh perspective by illuminating the ways in which these legendary figures influenced and were influenced by Leavenworth. Coinciding with the U.S. Mint's release of a series of special commemorative coins honoring these soldiers and the fort where they were based, this concise volume offers an intriguing look at the lives of these remarkable men and the contributions they made to the defense of the nation.

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9780813142135

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Reviews

<p> Though Leavenworth graduates have served with distinction in every conflict since its founding, this book is a tribute to Generals of the Army George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Henry H. 'Hap' Arnold, and Omar N. Bradley; to the venerable military post that molded and shaped them; and to every officer who ever has or ever will serve at Fort Leavenworth. -- General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret.), from the foreword --

This handy little single-volume reference provides a tightly written set of profiles for comparing and contrasting these five very different careers. -- Parameters

The book is well organized and researched. Each biography is a good summary of the man's life, service, and importance...this work provides readers with what they need to know in a single tome. -- World War II History

Author Information

James H. Willbanks is General of the Armies George C. Marshall Chair of Military History and director of the department of military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with twenty-three years of service as an Infantry officer.

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