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Omar Bradley: General at War
The First In-Depth Biography of America’s Last Five-Star General
He was known as “the G.I. General”— humble, self-effacing, hard-working, reflecting the small-town virtues of the America whose uniform he wore. But those very virtues have led historians to neglect General Omar Bradley—until now. Bestselling author Jim DeFelice, in this, the first-ever in-depth biography of America’s last five-star general, tells Bradley’s full story, and argues that the neglected G.I. General did more than any other to defeat Hitler in World War II.
While General George S. Patton has garnered much of the glory, General Dwight David Eisenhower has claimed much of the world’s respect, and British General Bernard Montgomery has kept the Union Jack flying, as DeFelice proves, it was the unassuming Bradley who actually developed the strategy and the tactics that won the war in Europe. Meticulously researched, using previously untapped documents and unpublished diaries and notes, Omar Bradley: General at War reveals:
Why Bradley, not Patton, deserves most of the credit for America’s victories in North Africa
How Bradley—first Patton’s subordinate, then his superior—was one of Patton’s great defenders, while also recognizing his weaknesses, and tried to cover up the infamous slapping incident
How Eisenhower panicked—when Bradley didn’t—during the early stages of the Battle of the Bulge, delaying an American counterattack that could have saved thousands of lives
Why Bradley was a radical innovator in the use of combined air, armor, and infantry power
How Bradley, contrary to those who like to portray him as a staid counterpart to Patton, was one of the most ardent practitioners of fast-moving offensives
Why Bradley expected the Germans might use radiological weapons at Normandy
Provocative, thorough, original, Jim DeFelice’s Omar Bradley: General at War deserves a place on the shelf of every reader of World War II history.
He was known as “the G.I. General”— humble, self-effacing, hard-working, reflecting the small-town virtues of the America whose uniform he wore. But those very virtues have led historians to neglect General Omar Bradley—until now. Bestselling author Jim DeFelice, in this, the first-ever in-depth biography of America’s last five-star general, tells Bradley’s full story, and argues that the neglected G.I. General did more than any other to defeat Hitler in World War II.
While General George S. Patton has garnered much of the glory, General Dwight David Eisenhower has claimed much of the world’s respect, and British General Bernard Montgomery has kept the Union Jack flying, as DeFelice proves, it was the unassuming Bradley who actually developed the strategy and the tactics that won the war in Europe. Meticulously researched, using previously untapped documents and unpublished diaries and notes, Omar Bradley: General at War reveals:
Why Bradley, not Patton, deserves most of the credit for America’s victories in North Africa
How Bradley—first Patton’s subordinate, then his superior—was one of Patton’s great defenders, while also recognizing his weaknesses, and tried to cover up the infamous slapping incident
How Eisenhower panicked—when Bradley didn’t—during the early stages of the Battle of the Bulge, delaying an American counterattack that could have saved thousands of lives
Why Bradley was a radical innovator in the use of combined air, armor, and infantry power
How Bradley, contrary to those who like to portray him as a staid counterpart to Patton, was one of the most ardent practitioners of fast-moving offensives
Why Bradley expected the Germans might use radiological weapons at Normandy
Provocative, thorough, original, Jim DeFelice’s Omar Bradley: General at War deserves a place on the shelf of every reader of World War II history.
451 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2011
38 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Jim DeFelice
144 books156 followersMy latest book, CODE NAME: JOHNNY WALKER was hailed by Kirkus Review as a “fiery, insightful memoir from the former Iraqi translator who fought alongside U.S. Special Forces during the recent war in Iraq.” They also “a harrowing personal journey of courageous self-empowerment during wartime.” called it an “invaluable insider’s perspective of Iraq.
I wrote it with the real "Johnny Walker," who was born and raised in Iraq. His dream of building a better country after the ouster of Sadaam Hussein was dashed by religious and sectarian violence. He risked his own life to help US military track down religious terrorists who targeted innocent Iraqi civilians and American military installations. I first heard about him from Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (who I wrote AMERICAN SNIPER with, who credited Johnny with saving many American and Iraqi lives. Chris noted that Johnny had an uncanny knack for defusing volatile situations, uncovering the right perpetrators who might be hiding in plain sight, and saving several American team member’s lives under fire. With the help of concerned SEALs, Johnny and his family were safely relocated to the U.S., where they are now, as Johnny likes to say, “living the dream.”
I wrote it with the real "Johnny Walker," who was born and raised in Iraq. His dream of building a better country after the ouster of Sadaam Hussein was dashed by religious and sectarian violence. He risked his own life to help US military track down religious terrorists who targeted innocent Iraqi civilians and American military installations. I first heard about him from Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (who I wrote AMERICAN SNIPER with, who credited Johnny with saving many American and Iraqi lives. Chris noted that Johnny had an uncanny knack for defusing volatile situations, uncovering the right perpetrators who might be hiding in plain sight, and saving several American team member’s lives under fire. With the help of concerned SEALs, Johnny and his family were safely relocated to the U.S., where they are now, as Johnny likes to say, “living the dream.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 2, 2016
DeFelice states this is the first complete biography of General Omar Bradley. He draws heavily from Bradley’s memoir “A Soldier’s Story”, published in 1951. The author states Bradley did not get the credit he was due because unlike other general officers he did not seek public attention and let his subordinates take credit for a battle he planned and executed.
DeFelice covers Bradley’s early life in the first part of the book. About 3/4s of the book is about his role in World War II. In Africa Bradley was under the command of General George Patton but during Operation Overload Patton was under General Bradley’s command. The author reveals Bradley to be a radical innovator in the use of combined air, armor and infantry power. According to DeFelice it was Bradley that planned Operation Overlord and was in charge of the overall landings in Normandy.
The book is well written and very easy to read for a non historian. The author did extensive research and he points out where he thinks other historians have provided incorrect information or interpretations of Bradley’s actions or plans. Instead of staying neutral it becomes obvious during the book that DeFelice is promoting Bradley. It was President Truman that awarded Bradley his fifth star and many have questions if he deserved it. The author covers in depth the disagreement between Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery and Bradley.
I learned l lot of interesting facts reading this book. It is the first book I have read in sometime that discusses Patton, Eisenhower, Montgomery and B. Smith from a different viewpoint. I read this as an e-book using my Kindle app on my iPad. The book is 466 pages long and was published in 2011.
DeFelice covers Bradley’s early life in the first part of the book. About 3/4s of the book is about his role in World War II. In Africa Bradley was under the command of General George Patton but during Operation Overload Patton was under General Bradley’s command. The author reveals Bradley to be a radical innovator in the use of combined air, armor and infantry power. According to DeFelice it was Bradley that planned Operation Overlord and was in charge of the overall landings in Normandy.
The book is well written and very easy to read for a non historian. The author did extensive research and he points out where he thinks other historians have provided incorrect information or interpretations of Bradley’s actions or plans. Instead of staying neutral it becomes obvious during the book that DeFelice is promoting Bradley. It was President Truman that awarded Bradley his fifth star and many have questions if he deserved it. The author covers in depth the disagreement between Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery and Bradley.
I learned l lot of interesting facts reading this book. It is the first book I have read in sometime that discusses Patton, Eisenhower, Montgomery and B. Smith from a different viewpoint. I read this as an e-book using my Kindle app on my iPad. The book is 466 pages long and was published in 2011.
November 27, 2024
A great 4 star read about a 5 star general! I didn't know a lot about General Bradley, and when I kept hearing about Bradley fighting vehicles in the news, I decided it was about time I learned more about the man for which they were named.
After reading the book, I understand why I didn't know much about Gen. Bradley. Humble, understated, and quick to give credit to the commanders who reported to him, Gen. Bradley was not a flashy leader. He mostly avoided the press and publicity whenever possible. He invest time in traveling to see, and in listening to his commanders. He even lived in and used a van as a command post for much of his time in the war.
This book also provided insight into the "behind the scenes" happenings at the upper command levels during WWII. After reading it, I wonder what would have occurred had Gen. Bradley been given permission to move forward with more of his plans instead of being held-up. Unfortunately, that will never be known.
I'd recommend this book to readers interested in WWII, leadership, and biographies.
After reading the book, I understand why I didn't know much about Gen. Bradley. Humble, understated, and quick to give credit to the commanders who reported to him, Gen. Bradley was not a flashy leader. He mostly avoided the press and publicity whenever possible. He invest time in traveling to see, and in listening to his commanders. He even lived in and used a van as a command post for much of his time in the war.
This book also provided insight into the "behind the scenes" happenings at the upper command levels during WWII. After reading it, I wonder what would have occurred had Gen. Bradley been given permission to move forward with more of his plans instead of being held-up. Unfortunately, that will never be known.
I'd recommend this book to readers interested in WWII, leadership, and biographies.
August 26, 2013
A very interesting and detailed account of General Bradley's involvement in WW2, spoiled somewhat by the anti British ie. Montgomery bias that runs throughout the entire book. According to the author Jim DeFelice, the war could have been won by Bradley in 1944 if it wasn't for Montgomery taking away all of the American supplies and swaying General Eisenhower to his line of thinking. As much as Bradley and Patton had a low opinion of Bernard Montgomery, it is a bit far fetched to say that every decision Monty made was wrong and negatively impacted on the American and Allied war effort.
Still it was a good read about a very important and under-rated Allied general of WW2
Still it was a good read about a very important and under-rated Allied general of WW2
April 30, 2018
Having read a number of biographies of military leaders in WW2, I did not have high expectations, but felt this could be interesting. It was not just interesting, but compelling reading. The author has a writing style that I was unfamiliar.
I like the style and presentation so well that I am seeking out his other books and intend to read them as well. On the book jacket, other authors give him great praise, but what is interesting to me, I had just read a book by Jonathan Jordan as well, which was very well written. I am of the philosophy that good writers know each other and promote each other. I am looking to other authors on the book jacket for my future reading.
I like the style and presentation so well that I am seeking out his other books and intend to read them as well. On the book jacket, other authors give him great praise, but what is interesting to me, I had just read a book by Jonathan Jordan as well, which was very well written. I am of the philosophy that good writers know each other and promote each other. I am looking to other authors on the book jacket for my future reading.
December 26, 2021
General Omar Bradley is one of the great unsung heroes of World War II. If he was alive today, surely he would wave off any questions specific his efforts, pointing instead to his peers and the men who followed him into battle as the real heroes. Author Jim DeFelice, in his 2011 biography, Omar Bradley: General at War proposes clearing the air regarding Bradley's role in the European theater. But all he does is serve in an unsolicited role of apologist for Bradley. Bradley requires no apologist. His role and influence in the defeat of Nazi Germany is quite clear, without the blaring sirens and barking of a Patton or the shrill bombast of a Montgomery. Bradley led with intelligence and confidence in the men in battle and in himself as their leader. DeFelice spends way too many pages referencing other writers he perceives as being critical of Bradley. If DeFelice spent as much time devoting his efforts to telling Bradley's story with the facts, it would have made for a much more interesting and meaningful telling of Bradley's life and commitment to his service. Tell his story allow the reader decide Bradley's influence; as if the reader's opinion matters. If that isn't enough, DeFelice writes wrote this book as if distracted. He leads the reader on incomplete paths, too often failing to show how one occasion influences another. His attempts at conversational writing are beneath what Bradley deserves. Imagine what a committed writer could have done to tell this hero's story. Apologists need not apply.
October 22, 2023
Considering how little fame he has gotten compared to other World War Two generals, I picked up this book to find out who he really was. It turned out he was a great sports player in school but was interested in getting a college education, having had great mathematics abilities, but with his family unable to afford this, he managed to get enrolled at West Point, where he did very well, and rose through the ranks to become a general without having seen frontline combat. It was not until World War Two that he would, first in North Africa, then in Sicily, then in Northern Europe.
He was not one who cared to promote himself using the news media, nor was he knowledgeable of the geopolitical politics of the time, which the author pointed to as weaknesses. He was able to deal with officers and soldiers under him, but clashed with British General Montgomery, whom the book criticizes harshly and blames for World War Two not ending sooner in Europe. Patton, whom Bradley would command, was egotistical and erratic but mostly able to do his duty properly. This is not a hagiography, but the author calls his book the first in-depth biography of Bradley besides the two autobiographies Bradley wrote himself. An interesting volume without being overlong.
He was not one who cared to promote himself using the news media, nor was he knowledgeable of the geopolitical politics of the time, which the author pointed to as weaknesses. He was able to deal with officers and soldiers under him, but clashed with British General Montgomery, whom the book criticizes harshly and blames for World War Two not ending sooner in Europe. Patton, whom Bradley would command, was egotistical and erratic but mostly able to do his duty properly. This is not a hagiography, but the author calls his book the first in-depth biography of Bradley besides the two autobiographies Bradley wrote himself. An interesting volume without being overlong.
January 17, 2021
Somewhat disappointed
Having read books on Patton, Marshall and Ernest King, I wanted to get more details on another important leader during WW2. I enjoyed Jim DeFelice when he coauthored with Tom Clancy. However, I found this work to be somewhat tedious in reading. He used so many footnotes! I tend to ignore them, especially when they only refer to other books or papers, but here he added so much more information I felt that I had to look at each one to see what was there. Reading on the Kindle app on an iPhone made that annoying. My other disappointment was the near constant reference to two other books, “A Soldier’s Story” and “A General’s Life”. It seemed what I was reading was simply a review of the other two books, especially when comments were made about the author’s opinions in those books.
Having read books on Patton, Marshall and Ernest King, I wanted to get more details on another important leader during WW2. I enjoyed Jim DeFelice when he coauthored with Tom Clancy. However, I found this work to be somewhat tedious in reading. He used so many footnotes! I tend to ignore them, especially when they only refer to other books or papers, but here he added so much more information I felt that I had to look at each one to see what was there. Reading on the Kindle app on an iPhone made that annoying. My other disappointment was the near constant reference to two other books, “A Soldier’s Story” and “A General’s Life”. It seemed what I was reading was simply a review of the other two books, especially when comments were made about the author’s opinions in those books.
November 27, 2019
A fascinating,informative, and entertaining account of a World War Two American general whose name is well-known to World War Two history buffs, but whose sizable contributions toward the eventual victory of the Western Allies is not. This book was a very enjoyable and worth-while read. The author's opinions and conclusions seem well founded, supported by numerous and eminently informative footnotes.
The author observes that there are at present no scholarly or in-depth (i.e., multi-volume) examinations of the life and career of General Bradley. Should Mr. DeFelice chose to complete such a work, anyone who has an interest in this era and who had read this volume would be well-advised to read the longer version as well.
The author observes that there are at present no scholarly or in-depth (i.e., multi-volume) examinations of the life and career of General Bradley. Should Mr. DeFelice chose to complete such a work, anyone who has an interest in this era and who had read this volume would be well-advised to read the longer version as well.
April 20, 2023
A very unsung hero.
World War II created American heroes aplenty. From the titanic figures of MacArthur, Patton, Halsey, and Arnold to the under sung Bradley, Nimitz, King, and Ridgeway.
Bradley was considered a military tactical genius by his friend and protector, Eisenhower. While Montgomery was known for his theatrics and stirring the pot, Bradley was known for getting the job done with as little fanfare as possible.
A great read for those who wish to round out their WWII autobiographical histories.
World War II created American heroes aplenty. From the titanic figures of MacArthur, Patton, Halsey, and Arnold to the under sung Bradley, Nimitz, King, and Ridgeway.
Bradley was considered a military tactical genius by his friend and protector, Eisenhower. While Montgomery was known for his theatrics and stirring the pot, Bradley was known for getting the job done with as little fanfare as possible.
A great read for those who wish to round out their WWII autobiographical histories.
February 11, 2025
I have read many books on WWII and the most prominent people of that war. The choices are endless, from biographies to major battles to sons and daughters writing about their fathers war time heroics. Why are there so few on Omar Bradley? He was a 5-star general. Bradley helped plan and executed the invasion of Europe in Normandy. He helped conquer the German army! and still we have very few books on this man. Thanks to Jim DeFelice for writing this book on Bradley. The story is well written and the explanations have me wanting to read more on Bradley. Enjoy the book.
January 24, 2019
Great book. It painted a really compete picture of Bradley, comparing his strengths and weaknesses and analysing individual battles and campaigns.
One of the weaknesses of the book is the worthless maps, which are little more than line drawings of the countries with a few cities labeled. The main reason for the slightly lower rating. They didn't even put them in context with relation to bodies of water and other countries.
Also, he quotes Bradley's biography a bit too much.
One of the weaknesses of the book is the worthless maps, which are little more than line drawings of the countries with a few cities labeled. The main reason for the slightly lower rating. They didn't even put them in context with relation to bodies of water and other countries.
Also, he quotes Bradley's biography a bit too much.
June 24, 2019
Jim when I saw you wrote this book I had to read it. All I knew about Bradley was a Piece of Army Equipment called the Bradley Fighting Machine was named after him. and Karl M. Played him in Patten. Now I think I know too much about the 5 star General, and possibly what leadership characteristics make up a true leader.
November 26, 2018
A concise study of the quiet general;a normal soldier.The author seems to clarify many criticisms of Bradley’s battlefield performances.Never sought publicity or the limelight left him subject to too much criticism?
A relatively short study of one of the best military leaders of the Great War.
A relatively short study of one of the best military leaders of the Great War.
August 26, 2020
I throughly enjoyed this account of General Omar Bradley. DeFelice provides a well written throughly researched biography of General Bradley that gives the reader a portrait of a regular guy who accomplished greatness.
January 27, 2019
Excellent book but a very underrated general.
August 1, 2022
I learned a lot, but I would have liked it better without the many typos...
January 25, 2024
I read this book not too long ago and found it very interesting and informative. A good buy.
November 6, 2011
In this book, Jim DeFelice looks at General Omar Bradley, as he has never been examined before. He makes a compelling case that the historical stereotype of the cautious, unimaginative and plodding general is simply not accurate. In the process, he calls upon deep research and acute analytical skills to debunk the most prevalent myths about Bradley. For the most part his logic and reasoning are on target as he reveals a combat commander who was a lot more creative, aggressive and effective than history has portrayed him. The author does not hide Bradley's faults and miscalculations nor does he represent him as a genius general. What the author does do effectively, however, is to demonstrate how inaccurate and unfair the prevailing wisdom is regarding Bradley's abilities, contributions, reputation and legacy.
Bradley's performance at the Battle of The Bulge is carefully examined. He is not absolved of any responsibility for being initially surprised and overwhelmed. As a gifted tactician, he could not discern the scope of the attack because it didn't make any sense. It made no sense to the German commanders either and they lobbied Hitler for a less ambitious encirclement and destruction of trapped American forces. Hitler insisted on driving to Antwerp even though he didn't have the forces or supplies to sustain such an objective. When Bradley realized this, he acted aggressively to pinch off the spearheads. Only the appointment of Montgomery to command part of Bradley's Army Group kept him from executing his plan.
The only flaw I could find in the author's reasoning was giving credit to Bradley for the extraordinary success of the 82nd Airborne Division. When Bradley led that division, it was not yet an airborne division. Subsequent to Bradley's tutelage, the division's cadre was spilt in half to seed the 101st Airborne Division and most of its regiments were replaced with airborne qualified units. Bradley deserved no credit for its ultimate success.
The book is diminished somewhat by a lack of proper editing. Fractured sentences, missing quotes, using both Rur and Ruhr to name the river and Merche to describe the city of Marche are annoying distractions. However, describing the bomb load of B-17s and B-24s as "4, 100 lb bombs" is simply careless when those planes had the capacity to haul 4,800 and 8,000 pounds of bombs respectively. And poor General Manton Eddy had is name butchered on a few occasions, once and Monton and again as Manson.
Not to be picky but a work of this magnitude ought not to have its conclusions questioned or its scholarship diminished because of silly errors and substandard editing.
Anyone interested in World War II, particularly in the European theater would enjoy this book. It is well written, heavily sourced and somewhat revealing. It held my interest throughout despite the flawed editing.
John E. Nevola
Author of The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II
Bradley's performance at the Battle of The Bulge is carefully examined. He is not absolved of any responsibility for being initially surprised and overwhelmed. As a gifted tactician, he could not discern the scope of the attack because it didn't make any sense. It made no sense to the German commanders either and they lobbied Hitler for a less ambitious encirclement and destruction of trapped American forces. Hitler insisted on driving to Antwerp even though he didn't have the forces or supplies to sustain such an objective. When Bradley realized this, he acted aggressively to pinch off the spearheads. Only the appointment of Montgomery to command part of Bradley's Army Group kept him from executing his plan.
The only flaw I could find in the author's reasoning was giving credit to Bradley for the extraordinary success of the 82nd Airborne Division. When Bradley led that division, it was not yet an airborne division. Subsequent to Bradley's tutelage, the division's cadre was spilt in half to seed the 101st Airborne Division and most of its regiments were replaced with airborne qualified units. Bradley deserved no credit for its ultimate success.
The book is diminished somewhat by a lack of proper editing. Fractured sentences, missing quotes, using both Rur and Ruhr to name the river and Merche to describe the city of Marche are annoying distractions. However, describing the bomb load of B-17s and B-24s as "4, 100 lb bombs" is simply careless when those planes had the capacity to haul 4,800 and 8,000 pounds of bombs respectively. And poor General Manton Eddy had is name butchered on a few occasions, once and Monton and again as Manson.
Not to be picky but a work of this magnitude ought not to have its conclusions questioned or its scholarship diminished because of silly errors and substandard editing.
Anyone interested in World War II, particularly in the European theater would enjoy this book. It is well written, heavily sourced and somewhat revealing. It held my interest throughout despite the flawed editing.
John E. Nevola
Author of The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II
Read
February 17, 2015WWII interest??? read this one first!
I've read a plethora of WWII a books, most commonly associated with the regular "Joes" who were actually in the arena (not to imply Bradley was not...but you'll have to read the book for more about that).
My eyes have been opened. I've honestly never put too much thought into who was actually directing these battles from an overall perspective. DeFelice does a wonderful job of explaining the big picture and giving Bradley his due.
I believe Bradley was owed this explanation, this praise for the lack of a better term, simply because my WWII vet Uncle prompted me to read about Bradley because in Unc's words, "Bradley told it like it was". I've never understood that until I had finished this book. Bradley was a "doer" and not one to elicit popular votes with the media, our allies, even (to a fault) the American public. One of the good guys who did things because they were right and to heck with pleasing anyone other than those under his command.
RIP General..and thanks for your service!
I've read a plethora of WWII a books, most commonly associated with the regular "Joes" who were actually in the arena (not to imply Bradley was not...but you'll have to read the book for more about that).
My eyes have been opened. I've honestly never put too much thought into who was actually directing these battles from an overall perspective. DeFelice does a wonderful job of explaining the big picture and giving Bradley his due.
I believe Bradley was owed this explanation, this praise for the lack of a better term, simply because my WWII vet Uncle prompted me to read about Bradley because in Unc's words, "Bradley told it like it was". I've never understood that until I had finished this book. Bradley was a "doer" and not one to elicit popular votes with the media, our allies, even (to a fault) the American public. One of the good guys who did things because they were right and to heck with pleasing anyone other than those under his command.
RIP General..and thanks for your service!
February 24, 2012
An Important Look At an Oft-Overlooked Figure
Regnery Publishing's newest imprint, Regnery History has found something new to tell about one of the most written-about parts of World War II: D-Day. You may ask yourself, what else can be said about D-Day that hasn't been said? We have had powerful, visceral movies like Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day and Patton and the famed HBO series Band of Brothers. Article after article and book after book have been written about D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and the final days of Nazi Germany but somehow we have failed to have had a serious biography of one of the invasion's central planners and one of the men who engineered the entire campaign from the beaches of Normandy until the defeat of Germany: American 5 star general Omar Bradley...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Regnery Publishing's newest imprint, Regnery History has found something new to tell about one of the most written-about parts of World War II: D-Day. You may ask yourself, what else can be said about D-Day that hasn't been said? We have had powerful, visceral movies like Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day and Patton and the famed HBO series Band of Brothers. Article after article and book after book have been written about D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and the final days of Nazi Germany but somehow we have failed to have had a serious biography of one of the invasion's central planners and one of the men who engineered the entire campaign from the beaches of Normandy until the defeat of Germany: American 5 star general Omar Bradley...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
November 6, 2015
This was a good account of General Bradley and his involvement with ww2. As a fan of ww2 history it was interesting to learn about an important general in this era. While I cannot speak to the accuracy of the author's information, I do think it was presented in a logical manner in which the reader follows the career of General Bradley. I found it quite interesting how the generals of the time were each motivated by their own perceived ideas of how the war was to be won.
September 23, 2013
The author is correct that not enough has been written about this American General.
DeFelice chose to fill that gap. He is a capable writer, but a terrible researcher. Virtually every page contains the line "As Bradley says in, 'A Generals Life'...". You might as well get Bradley's far superior autobiography than read this book report about it.
DeFelice chose to fill that gap. He is a capable writer, but a terrible researcher. Virtually every page contains the line "As Bradley says in, 'A Generals Life'...". You might as well get Bradley's far superior autobiography than read this book report about it.
June 17, 2012
A fair assessment of a heretofore ignored general. The war would have lasted longer without him, and probably could have been shorter if only Ike had listened to him instead of Monty. The facts are clearly presented and then interpreted, history as it should be written.
Read
October 24, 2011Carafano
January 7, 2015
Excellent read. Author did an excellent job of comparing to the other Generals and their books and recollections.
March 22, 2015
Good stuff! Another fine man, a wee bit flawed, but still a great man. Interesting childhood. Another one of those fine Americans from a mid-west that doesn't seem to exist anymore.
February 2, 2016
Good summary of the accomplishments of a quiet, under appreciated leader who contributed more to the victory in Europe than any other person with the exception of Eisenhower.
June 20, 2013
First class bio of one of the most overlooked leaders of the victory in Europe.
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September 2, 2017I guess I was hoping to read about Omar Bradley during the war, I was wrong. The beginning was very well done as it identified him as a man of character and ahead of his time in his thinking and planning.
A big let down in the second half as it only referred to sections of other books or reports from observers. I was expecting the book to describe his actions during battles and his role in them and how he gelt with other generals.
A very big disappointment!
A big let down in the second half as it only referred to sections of other books or reports from observers. I was expecting the book to describe his actions during battles and his role in them and how he gelt with other generals.
A very big disappointment!
November 21, 2017
Excellent biography of history's most underrated general. It's a pity flashier characters get all the books and movies. DeFelice goes a long way towards remedying that deficit, however, and does his subject justice, giving a fair bit critical portrayal of America's last 5 star military officer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews