Military Review English Edition November-December 2015 | Page 139

BOOK REVIEWS

wealth of information regarding orders of battle and
lists of key individuals. Of particular note in this chapter is a description of how Gen. George C. Marshall
Jr. groomed selected officers during the interwar years
for significant future assignments. The information
provided in this chapter offers a broad context of the
overall condition of the Army leading up to the Battle
of the Bulge.
In the subsequent chapters, Morelock provides
insightful details and battlefield leadership analysis
of six general officers who led large Army formations
in late 1944. Morelock begins with Gen. Dwight
D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander, Allied
Expeditionary Force; then it continues with Lt. Gen.
Omar N. Bradley and the 12th Army Group, to provide
significant understanding into strategic-level leadership. There are several references to the influential
leadership of then Chief of Staff of the Army Gen.
Marshall on these individuals. The author continues
with his review of Lt. Gen. William H. Simpson and
the Ninth Army; Maj. Gen. Troy H. Middleton’s VIII
Corps; Maj. Gen. Alan W. Jones, commander, 106th
Infantry Division; and Brig. Gen. Bruce C. Clarke,
commander, Combat Command B. In each account of
these general officers, the author brings to light their
strengths and weakness as commanders by reflecting
on their prewar experiences and their actions during
the Army’s toughest battle of the war.
The strongest point Morelock brings in the conclusion of his book is, “strength of character is the common denominator shared by successful leaders.” Gen.
Eisenhower’s character trait of being a team player
strongly influenced his success in leading a wartime
coalition. His leadership by consensus is a significant
example for all future coalition leaders. Lt. Gen.
Simpson’s unselfish leadership, Maj. Gen. Middleton’s
calm leadership, and Brig. Gen. Clarke’s self-confidence are more examples of successful senior-level
military leadership traits illuminated in this book.
Morelock also provides honest examples of flaws and
weaknesses in leadership at the most senior levels. The
author’s balance of examining these officers’ successes
and failures provides a far-reaching examination of senior Army leadership that is [