US Commanders of World War II (1): Army and Usaaf

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).

James R Arnold is an established author who has contributed to numerous military publications. James spent his formative years in Europe and used the opportunity to study the sites of historic battlefields. 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 Philip Hargis gained a BA in History from California State University, San Bernadino. He currently works as a High School teacher, teaching US History and Western Civilization. A militaria collector for over 25 years, he also has a close involvement in living history presentations.

Darko Pavlovic was born in 1959 and currently lives and works in Zagreb, Croatia. A trained architect, he now works as a full-time illustrator and writer, specializing in militaria. Darko has illustrated a number of books for Osprey including Men-at-Arms 282: 'Axis Forces in Yugoslavia 1941–45'.