Generals in the Making: How Marshall, Eisenhower, Patton, and Their Peers Became the Commanders Who Won World War II

Winston Churchill and German commanders were amazed at the dynamic change in American military leadership from World War I to World War II. Despite the obstacles of the 1920s and 1930s, the interwar army was the incubator of future leaders such as Marshall, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Bradley, and Patton. Benjamin Runkle's book "Generals in the Making" shows how these men emerged from the ashes of the interwar army to become the greatest generation of senior commanders in military history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2019
Publisher: Stackpole Books

After World War II,Winston Churchill pondered the enigmatic process by which the United States identified and cultivated the generals who emerged victorious. German commanders shared a similar sense of astonishment at the remarkable transformation in American military leadership from World War I to World War II. Despite the challenges posed by the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by a national inclination towards isolationism and eventually the onset of the Great Depression, the interwar army served as a fertile ground for the emergence of future leaders. In his insightful book, Benjamin Runkle delves into the captivating story of how these remarkable men, in defiance of predetermined paths, rose from the ashes of the interwar army to become the epitome of greatness in military history.

Generals in the Making takes us on a journey that begins with World War I, during which notable figures such as Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, and George Marshall distinguished themselves with their valor and expertise. Marshall served on General Pershing's staff, MacArthur excelled as a decorated field commander, and Patton demonstrated his prowess as a tank leader. Over the ensuing two decades, these men, along with their contemporaries, including Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, Lucian Truscott, Matthew Ridgway, Lightning Joe Collins, Walter Bedell Smith, Joseph Stilwell, and many others, frequently crossed paths in the small army of the 1920s and 1930s. They attended the same professional schools, served under the same commanders, and even lived as neighbors. These were challenging times for the army, marked by slow promotions and frequent deployments to isolated Midwest bases or the Philippines. For some, these years were fraught with personal tragedies, such as Eisenhower's loss of a young son and Marshall's untimely passing of his wife. However, they also presented professional setbacks, ranging from academic failures to court-martials.

Despite the obstacles and hardships they faced, these men remained resilient and determined. They honed their skills, built strong relationships, and sought opportunities for growth and advancement. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their willingness to take risks propelled them to the forefront of military leadership. The interwar army played a pivotal role in shaping these generals, providing them with the foundation and experiences necessary to become the leaders of the Greatest Generation.

In Generals in the Making, Benjamin Runkle offers a captivating account of how these men emerged from the ashes of the interwar army and rose to prominence. He sheds light on their backgrounds, training, and experiences, highlighting the factors that shaped their character and leadership abilities. Runkle's writing is meticulously researched, and his storytelling is engaging and insightful. The book provides a valuable perspective on the development of military leadership and the role of individuals in shaping the course of history.

Generals in the Making is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, leadership, and the evolution of the armed forces. It offers a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by military leaders and the critical role they play in shaping the course of nations. This book serves as a tribute to the resilience, determination, and excellence of the men who emerged from the interwar army and became the greatest generation of senior commanders in military history.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 163 x 236 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811738507