Contribution of World War II American Military Leaders Contribution of World War II Military Leaders Contribution of World War II American Military Leaders PowerPoint by Mr. Hataway Created 1/17/2011

Contribution of World War II Military Leaders Omar Bradley U.S. Army General “The Soldier’s General” served with General George Patton in North Africa and Italy, led the First Army Division on the D-Day landings (beaches of Normandy, France); Battle of the Bulge. Noted for his concern for individual soldiers and his ability to organize. Served as General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “eyes and ears” in North Africa.

Dwight D. Eisenhower General, Supreme Allied Commander of Forces in Europe; President from 1952 to 1960. Born in Texas and graduated from West Point. He served as General MacArthur’s senior assistant in the Philippines when MacArthur was the army’s chief of staff. MacArthur considered him the most capable officer in the army. General Eisenhower commanded Allied forces in Europe and led the British-American invasion of North Africa defeating Rommel’s Africa Korps in 1943. On June 6, 1944, he commanded Allied forces on D-Day. (Normandy invasion)

Douglas MacArthur Commander of the U.S. Army in the Pacific. Because of his service in the Philippines prior to WWII, he was named commander of U.S. forces in the Far East. During WWII he commanded troops in the Southwest Pacific and presided over the Japanese surrender as the commander of Allied Powers. He was a military governor of Japan from 1945-1950.

Chester Nimitz Born Fredericksburg, TX Navy Admiral, Commander of the U.S. Navy and Allied land and sea forces in the Pacific. Instrumental in defeating the Japanese in the Battle of Midway-June of 1942 (a battle that became a turning point in the war because this was the first defeat for Japan)

George Marshall Rosevelt’s Chief of Staff coordinating the war effort from Washington, D.C. Truman’s Sec. of State; Marshall Plan; Nobel Prize 1953. He organized the training of troops, development of strategic plans, and appointment of top military personnel. He modernized the U.S. army and organized the funding to rebuild Europe i.e. the Marshall Plan.

George Patton General, Third Armored Division Colorful and celebrated tank commander who led the Third Army out of Normandy, assisted with the Battle of the Bulge. Spearheaded the final attack into Germany. He learned tank tactics during WWI. His experience contributed to his direction of the amphibious landings on Casablanca the campaign in North Africa, and the invasion of Sicily.