Book Overview
Dubbed by the World War II press as "The GI General" because of his close identification with his men, Omar Bradley rose to command the U. S. 12th Army Group in the European Campaign. By the spring of 1945, this group contained 1,300,000 men--the largest exclusively American field command in U.S. history. Mild mannered, General Bradley was a dedicated mentor, the creator of the Officer Candidate School system, and a methodical tactician who served through World War II. Then, as a five-star general, he lifted the Veterans Administration from corruption and inefficiency to a model government agency, served as U.S. Army chief of staff, first chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and head of NATO. Alan Axelrod applies his signature insight and compelling prose to the life, strategy and legacy of the general who remains the model for all commanders today as the man who revolutionized the National Guard, shaped the US army's focus on the individual soldier, and emphasized cooperation and coordination among the military services--a cornerstone of modern U.S. military doctrine.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0230600182
ISBN13:9780230600188
Release Date:December 2007
Publisher:St. Martin's Press
Length:224 Pages
Weight:0.82 lbs.
Dimensions:8.1" x 0.9" x 6.2"
Customer Reviews
3 ratings
Great overview
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Alan Axelrod's mini-bio of Omar Bradley is a great summary of his life and career. The book, like others in the series, isn't meant to be a definitive narrative of Bradley's life, rather it's meant to provide an overview of the general's life with a focus on leadership and his contribution to the US military. (It's part of a larger "Great Generals" series.) I really enjoyed the book; glad I read it. As to whether or not Axelrod makes his argument regarding Bradley's significant contributions to the US military, I'm not so sure. Certainly Axelrod makes the case that Bradley's leadership was critical at several points in the war, and Axelrod does a good job of portraying a man who matured and grew into his increasingly senior positions. But I don't think Axelrod does a good job in linking modern doctrinal concepts to Bradley. These concepts developed so quickly and in so many places that I don't think it's possible to link them to one man. But this is minor -- if you're not too familiar with Omar Bradley, and want a quick overview of the man and the historical questions that are related to him (i.e. the Battle of the Bulge), this book will certainly get you started.
Bradley: Worthy of a Sixth Star
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
A great, concise book about a key inidvidual that changed the course of global history in World War II. Omar Bradley was an important and vital component for the Supreme Commander's toolbox in bringing about the final outcome of the war. A must read for any WWII buff.
Brief Bradley Bio
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This is an excellent BRIEF bio of one of WW IIs senior U.S. commanders. Good background on the life of one of the lesser known five-star generals. Author claims that this was beceause he was less flashy and therefore got less press than Patton, Eisenhower and LeMay. Telling sign of his abilities is that he started the war as Patton's subordinate and finished the war as Patton's commander. Bradly not only helped bring the war in Europe to a successful conclusion, but guided improvements in the Veterans Administration after the war. He became the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and left his mark on that organization as well. The author not only tells you who he was and what he did, but explains why the "Soldiers' General" was important to the war effort and to the future of the U.S. Army. This analysis may be more useful than the story of his early life. This is a brief, 200 page, wave-top survey of Bradly, but it is sufficient for anyone interested to get a good appreciation of the man.
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