What do you think?
Rate this book
A Soldier's Story
Stated first edition bound in brown cloth with a blue star pattern on the front board and blue and red spine lettering. Map endpapers, B&W illustrations, 8vo size, 618pp. A near fine copy in a very good dust jacket. The book is clean, tight and unmarked. The dust jacket has tiny frays to the head of the spine, a 1cm edge chip and a short, closed tear to the edge of the rear panel. Dust soiling to the panels and spine.
618 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1951
26 people are currently reading
2142 people want to read
About the author
Omar N. Bradley
13 books23 followersGeneral of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley was an American military officer who served as a senior U.S. Army field commander in North Africa and Europe during World War II. He was the last surviving five-star commissioned officer of the United States, and was also the first general to be selected Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
General Bradley served on active duty with the United States Army from 1915-1953.
He died on April 8, 1981 in New York City of a cardiac arrhythmia. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia,
General Bradley served on active duty with the United States Army from 1915-1953.
He died on April 8, 1981 in New York City of a cardiac arrhythmia. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 20, 2012
AN INSPIRING AUTOBIOGRAPHY
A Classic on THE ART OF LEADERSHIP
A Soldier’s Story by Omar N. Bradley
First Published in 1951
Book Review by VIKRAM KARVE
I love reading autobiographies, as there is nothing more inspiring and authentic than learning about the life, times, thoughts and views of a great person in his own words.
It’s a lazy hot afternoon. I browse through my bookshelves and pick out A Soldier’s Story by General Omar Nelson Bradley, one of my favourite autobiographies, and certainly my all time favourite military autobiography.
Come Dear Reader, sit with me for a while, and let’s leaf through and peruse this fascinating book.
General Bradley (1893-1981) known for his calm and resolute leadership and affectionately called the “Soldier’s General” commanded the largest American combat force in history and rose to be the first Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This is a story, not of my life, but of a campaign…I have sought... to tell a story of how generals live and work at their chosen profession the author says at the beginning of his memoirs which focus on his participation in World War II.
Candidly written with remarkable humility in beautiful expressive language it is a wonderful memoir embellished with interesting episodes and lucid characterizations of many renowned military personalities.
In the preface General Bradley says: “In this book I have tried to achieve one purpose: To explain how war is waged on the field from the field command post… To tell a story of how and why we chose to do what we did, no one can ignore the personalities and characteristics of those individuals engaged in making decisions…..Where there are people, there is pride and ambition, prejudice and conflict. In generals, as in all other men, capabilities cannot always obscure weaknesses, nor can talents hide faults…I could not conscientiously expurgate this book to make it more palatable…if this story is to be told, it must be told honestly and candidly…”
The author writes in a wonderfully readable storytelling style and starts his riveting narrative on September 2, 1943, driving to Messina along the north coast of Sicily when, suddenly, General Eisenhower summoned him to tell him that he had been selected to command the American Army in the biggest invasion of the war – the liberation of Europe from the Germans. He then goes back in time and starts his story with vignettes from his early formative days of soldiering.
General Bradley vividly describes how, from General Marshall, he learnt the rudiments of effective command which he himself applied throughout the war: “When an officer performed as I expected him to, I gave him a free hand. When he hesitated, I tried to help him. And when he failed, I relieved him” - isn’t this leadership lesson valid even on today’s IT driven world where delegation seems to be taking a back- seat and excessive monitoring, interference and intervention seem to be on the rise.
Rather than encourage yes-men, ego-massage, sycophancy and groupthink, General Marshal sought contrary opinions: “When you carry a paper in here, I want you to give me every reason you can think of why I should not approve it. If, in spite of your objections, my decision is to still go ahead, then I’ll know I’m right”.
When it was suggested to General Marshall that a corps commander who had an arthritic disability in the knee be sent home rather than be given command of a corps in the field in war, he opined: “I would rather have a man with arthritis in the knee than one with arthritis in the head. Keep him there”.
“For the first time in 32 years as a soldier, I was off to a war” he writes on his assignment overseas in February 1943 to act as Eisenhower’s “eyes and ears” among American troops on the Tunisian front in North Africa.
He vividly describes the chaos after the American defeat at Kasserine, the arrival of Patton on the scene who growled “I’m not going to have any goddam spies running around in my headquarters” and appointed Bradley as his deputy, a defining moment which was the first step of Bradley’s illustrious combat career.
This is easily the best book on Patton’s stellar role in World War II, complementing General Patton’s Memoirs War As I Knew It and Patton: Ordeal and Triumph by Ladislas Farago. Though his admiration for Patton is evident, General Bradley writes about his long association with Patton with fairness and honesty and reveals unique and remarkable facets of Patton’s leadership style and character.
Sample this – Precisely at 7 Patton boomed in to breakfast. His vigour was always infectious, his wit barbed, his conversation a mixture of obscenity and good humour. He was at once stimulating and overbearing. George was a magnificent soldier.
Can there be a better description of General Patton?
Bradley vividly describes how Patton transformed the slovenly and demoralized II Corps into a fighting fit formation. “The news of Patton’s coming fell like a bombshell on Djebel Kouif. With sirens shrieking Patton’s arrival, a procession of armoured scout cars and half-tracks wheeled into the dingy square opposite the schoolhouse headquarters of II Corps…In the lead car Patton stood like a charioteer…scowling into the wind and his jaw strained against the web strap of a two-starred steel helmet.”
General Bradley writes superbly, as he describes how Patton stamped his personality upon his men and by his outstanding charismatic leadership rejuvenated the jaded, slovenly, worn-out, defeated and demoralized II Corps and transformed it into a vibrant, disciplined, fighting fit organization that never looked back and went on winning victory after victory in most difficult circumstances and against all odds.
There are bits of delightful humour in this book. Commenting on the ingenuity and improvisation abilities of Patton’s staff, the author writes: “…Indeed had Patton been named an Admiral in the Turkish Navy, his aides could probably dipped into their haversacks and come up with the appropriate badges of rank…” Though, at times, the author appears to be in awe of and enamoured by Patton’s larger than life charisma, he is candid, dispassionate and, at times, critical when he describes how he was bewildered by the contradictions in Patton’s character and concludes: “At times I felt that Patton, however successful he was as a corps commander, had not yet learned how to command himself.”
Their techniques of command varied with their contrasting personalities. While the soft-spoken unassuming Bradley preferred to lead by suggestion and example, the flamboyant Patton chose to drive his subordinates by bombast and threats, employing imperious mannerisms and profane expletives with startling originality; and both achieved spectacular results.
Many of us are at a loss for words when asked to qualitatively appraise our subordinates. See how easily General Bradley lucidly evaluates his division commanders, bringing out their salient qualities, in so few words with elegant simplicity and succinctness: “…To command a corps of four divisions, toughness alone is not enough. The corps commander must know his division commanders, he must thoroughly understand their problems, respect their judgment, and be tolerant of their limitations…among the division commanders in Tunisia, none excelled the unpredictable Terry Allen in the leadership of troops…but in looking out for his own division, Allen tended to belittle the role of others… Ryder had confirmed his reputation as that of a skilled tactician…his weakness, however, lay in the contentment with which he tolerated mediocrity…the profane and hot-tempered Harmon brought to the corps the rare combination of sound tactical judgment and boldness… none was better balanced nor more cooperative than Manton Eddy…though not timid, neither was he bold; Manton liked to count his steps carefully before he took them.”
Aren’t the author’s understanding, observation and articulation precise and remarkable?
Throughout the book, we find honest, frank and incisive appraisals of characters in this story – superiors, peers and subordinates – most of them renowned and famous personalities. He writes with candour about the problems of command during the planning of the invasion of Europe.
From then on the story gathers speed and moves so captivatingly that one is spellbound as one reads the author fluently narrate the events of the campaign with remarkable preciseness and detail, one realizes what an engaging and compelling book this is – it’s simply unputdownable!
All important events, turning points, and personalities are vividly described with the aid of maps, charts, pictures and appendices; from D Day (the Normandy Invasion) to the surrender of the German forces. Towards the end of his memoirs General Bradley reflects “Only five years before…as a lieutenant colonel in civilian clothes, I had ridden a bus down Connecticut Avenue to my desk in old Munitions Building… I opened the mapboard and smoothed out the tabs of the 43 US divisions now under my command…stretched across a 640-mile front of the 12th Army Group...I wrote in the new date: D plus 335…outside the sun was climbing in the sky. The war in Europe had ended.”
While this autobiography is a “must read” for military men and students of military history, I am sure it will benefit management students and professionals for it is an incisive treatise on Soft Skills encompassing aspects of Leadership, Communications, and most importantly, the Art of Human Relations Management in the extremely complex and highly stressful scenario of War where achievement of success (victory) is inescapably paramount. It is a primer, a treasury of distilled wisdom, on all aspects of management, especially human resource management. One can learn many motivational and management lessons from this book.
Nothing can surpass the experience of learning history first hand from a man who lived and created it rather than a historian who merely records it.
The Art of Leadership is better learnt from studying Leaders, their lives, their writings, rather than reading management textbooks pontificating on the subject and giving how-to-do laundry lists.
The Art and Science of Management owe its genesis and evolution to the military.
Modern Management theories, concepts, techniques and practices emerged from the experiences and lessons learnt during World War II (particularly in The United States of America).
It’s ironic isn’t it that the reverse is happening today?
It was the military that gave modern management principles to the civilian corporate world, and today we see military men running to civilian management institutes to “learn” management and acquire the coveted MBA which is the sine qua non and all important passport for entry into the corporate world.
I love reading stories, all kinds of stories, fiction, fantasy, parables, fables, slice of life. I like Life Stories, biographies, particularly autobiographies, as there is nothing more credible, convincing and stimulating than learning about the life, times and thoughts of a great person from his own writings. It’s called verisimilitude, I think.
A Soldier’s Story is a magnificent book. A unique masterpiece, a classic!
This autobiography is enjoyable, engrossing, illuminating and inspiring.
Dear Reader, I commend this superb book.
Do read it. I am sure you will learn a lot about the art of leadership and feel inspired by this life story.
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Did you like this review?
I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships. To order the book please click the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikr...
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vik...
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/sh...
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the link below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
About Vikram Karve
A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/p...
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
A Classic on THE ART OF LEADERSHIP
A Soldier’s Story by Omar N. Bradley
First Published in 1951
Book Review by VIKRAM KARVE
I love reading autobiographies, as there is nothing more inspiring and authentic than learning about the life, times, thoughts and views of a great person in his own words.
It’s a lazy hot afternoon. I browse through my bookshelves and pick out A Soldier’s Story by General Omar Nelson Bradley, one of my favourite autobiographies, and certainly my all time favourite military autobiography.
Come Dear Reader, sit with me for a while, and let’s leaf through and peruse this fascinating book.
General Bradley (1893-1981) known for his calm and resolute leadership and affectionately called the “Soldier’s General” commanded the largest American combat force in history and rose to be the first Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This is a story, not of my life, but of a campaign…I have sought... to tell a story of how generals live and work at their chosen profession the author says at the beginning of his memoirs which focus on his participation in World War II.
Candidly written with remarkable humility in beautiful expressive language it is a wonderful memoir embellished with interesting episodes and lucid characterizations of many renowned military personalities.
In the preface General Bradley says: “In this book I have tried to achieve one purpose: To explain how war is waged on the field from the field command post… To tell a story of how and why we chose to do what we did, no one can ignore the personalities and characteristics of those individuals engaged in making decisions…..Where there are people, there is pride and ambition, prejudice and conflict. In generals, as in all other men, capabilities cannot always obscure weaknesses, nor can talents hide faults…I could not conscientiously expurgate this book to make it more palatable…if this story is to be told, it must be told honestly and candidly…”
The author writes in a wonderfully readable storytelling style and starts his riveting narrative on September 2, 1943, driving to Messina along the north coast of Sicily when, suddenly, General Eisenhower summoned him to tell him that he had been selected to command the American Army in the biggest invasion of the war – the liberation of Europe from the Germans. He then goes back in time and starts his story with vignettes from his early formative days of soldiering.
General Bradley vividly describes how, from General Marshall, he learnt the rudiments of effective command which he himself applied throughout the war: “When an officer performed as I expected him to, I gave him a free hand. When he hesitated, I tried to help him. And when he failed, I relieved him” - isn’t this leadership lesson valid even on today’s IT driven world where delegation seems to be taking a back- seat and excessive monitoring, interference and intervention seem to be on the rise.
Rather than encourage yes-men, ego-massage, sycophancy and groupthink, General Marshal sought contrary opinions: “When you carry a paper in here, I want you to give me every reason you can think of why I should not approve it. If, in spite of your objections, my decision is to still go ahead, then I’ll know I’m right”.
When it was suggested to General Marshall that a corps commander who had an arthritic disability in the knee be sent home rather than be given command of a corps in the field in war, he opined: “I would rather have a man with arthritis in the knee than one with arthritis in the head. Keep him there”.
“For the first time in 32 years as a soldier, I was off to a war” he writes on his assignment overseas in February 1943 to act as Eisenhower’s “eyes and ears” among American troops on the Tunisian front in North Africa.
He vividly describes the chaos after the American defeat at Kasserine, the arrival of Patton on the scene who growled “I’m not going to have any goddam spies running around in my headquarters” and appointed Bradley as his deputy, a defining moment which was the first step of Bradley’s illustrious combat career.
This is easily the best book on Patton’s stellar role in World War II, complementing General Patton’s Memoirs War As I Knew It and Patton: Ordeal and Triumph by Ladislas Farago. Though his admiration for Patton is evident, General Bradley writes about his long association with Patton with fairness and honesty and reveals unique and remarkable facets of Patton’s leadership style and character.
Sample this – Precisely at 7 Patton boomed in to breakfast. His vigour was always infectious, his wit barbed, his conversation a mixture of obscenity and good humour. He was at once stimulating and overbearing. George was a magnificent soldier.
Can there be a better description of General Patton?
Bradley vividly describes how Patton transformed the slovenly and demoralized II Corps into a fighting fit formation. “The news of Patton’s coming fell like a bombshell on Djebel Kouif. With sirens shrieking Patton’s arrival, a procession of armoured scout cars and half-tracks wheeled into the dingy square opposite the schoolhouse headquarters of II Corps…In the lead car Patton stood like a charioteer…scowling into the wind and his jaw strained against the web strap of a two-starred steel helmet.”
General Bradley writes superbly, as he describes how Patton stamped his personality upon his men and by his outstanding charismatic leadership rejuvenated the jaded, slovenly, worn-out, defeated and demoralized II Corps and transformed it into a vibrant, disciplined, fighting fit organization that never looked back and went on winning victory after victory in most difficult circumstances and against all odds.
There are bits of delightful humour in this book. Commenting on the ingenuity and improvisation abilities of Patton’s staff, the author writes: “…Indeed had Patton been named an Admiral in the Turkish Navy, his aides could probably dipped into their haversacks and come up with the appropriate badges of rank…” Though, at times, the author appears to be in awe of and enamoured by Patton’s larger than life charisma, he is candid, dispassionate and, at times, critical when he describes how he was bewildered by the contradictions in Patton’s character and concludes: “At times I felt that Patton, however successful he was as a corps commander, had not yet learned how to command himself.”
Their techniques of command varied with their contrasting personalities. While the soft-spoken unassuming Bradley preferred to lead by suggestion and example, the flamboyant Patton chose to drive his subordinates by bombast and threats, employing imperious mannerisms and profane expletives with startling originality; and both achieved spectacular results.
Many of us are at a loss for words when asked to qualitatively appraise our subordinates. See how easily General Bradley lucidly evaluates his division commanders, bringing out their salient qualities, in so few words with elegant simplicity and succinctness: “…To command a corps of four divisions, toughness alone is not enough. The corps commander must know his division commanders, he must thoroughly understand their problems, respect their judgment, and be tolerant of their limitations…among the division commanders in Tunisia, none excelled the unpredictable Terry Allen in the leadership of troops…but in looking out for his own division, Allen tended to belittle the role of others… Ryder had confirmed his reputation as that of a skilled tactician…his weakness, however, lay in the contentment with which he tolerated mediocrity…the profane and hot-tempered Harmon brought to the corps the rare combination of sound tactical judgment and boldness… none was better balanced nor more cooperative than Manton Eddy…though not timid, neither was he bold; Manton liked to count his steps carefully before he took them.”
Aren’t the author’s understanding, observation and articulation precise and remarkable?
Throughout the book, we find honest, frank and incisive appraisals of characters in this story – superiors, peers and subordinates – most of them renowned and famous personalities. He writes with candour about the problems of command during the planning of the invasion of Europe.
From then on the story gathers speed and moves so captivatingly that one is spellbound as one reads the author fluently narrate the events of the campaign with remarkable preciseness and detail, one realizes what an engaging and compelling book this is – it’s simply unputdownable!
All important events, turning points, and personalities are vividly described with the aid of maps, charts, pictures and appendices; from D Day (the Normandy Invasion) to the surrender of the German forces. Towards the end of his memoirs General Bradley reflects “Only five years before…as a lieutenant colonel in civilian clothes, I had ridden a bus down Connecticut Avenue to my desk in old Munitions Building… I opened the mapboard and smoothed out the tabs of the 43 US divisions now under my command…stretched across a 640-mile front of the 12th Army Group...I wrote in the new date: D plus 335…outside the sun was climbing in the sky. The war in Europe had ended.”
While this autobiography is a “must read” for military men and students of military history, I am sure it will benefit management students and professionals for it is an incisive treatise on Soft Skills encompassing aspects of Leadership, Communications, and most importantly, the Art of Human Relations Management in the extremely complex and highly stressful scenario of War where achievement of success (victory) is inescapably paramount. It is a primer, a treasury of distilled wisdom, on all aspects of management, especially human resource management. One can learn many motivational and management lessons from this book.
Nothing can surpass the experience of learning history first hand from a man who lived and created it rather than a historian who merely records it.
The Art of Leadership is better learnt from studying Leaders, their lives, their writings, rather than reading management textbooks pontificating on the subject and giving how-to-do laundry lists.
The Art and Science of Management owe its genesis and evolution to the military.
Modern Management theories, concepts, techniques and practices emerged from the experiences and lessons learnt during World War II (particularly in The United States of America).
It’s ironic isn’t it that the reverse is happening today?
It was the military that gave modern management principles to the civilian corporate world, and today we see military men running to civilian management institutes to “learn” management and acquire the coveted MBA which is the sine qua non and all important passport for entry into the corporate world.
I love reading stories, all kinds of stories, fiction, fantasy, parables, fables, slice of life. I like Life Stories, biographies, particularly autobiographies, as there is nothing more credible, convincing and stimulating than learning about the life, times and thoughts of a great person from his own writings. It’s called verisimilitude, I think.
A Soldier’s Story is a magnificent book. A unique masterpiece, a classic!
This autobiography is enjoyable, engrossing, illuminating and inspiring.
Dear Reader, I commend this superb book.
Do read it. I am sure you will learn a lot about the art of leadership and feel inspired by this life story.
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Did you like this review?
I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships. To order the book please click the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikr...
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vik...
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/sh...
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the link below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
About Vikram Karve
A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/p...
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
April 22, 2018
A vivid and lucid look at all the important battles and schemes behind the Allies victory of the Second World War. It amazes and horrifies me how much people do not appreciate the sacrifices made by this generation.
May 21, 2011
A Soldier's Story by General of the Army Omar Bradley is the story of World War II as General Omar Bradley saw it. It is also the primary source book for the movie Patton. Bradley's unassuming and straightforward style underscores how he is portrayed by contemporary accounts. General Bradley was known as the "G.I. General". In the book, he comes across as an island of equanimity in a sea of incredible egos like Patton, Montgomery et. al.
Remember, this book is Bradley's take on events. I am sure that some involved in controversies he covered would defend their actions or inactions. Yet this account has an aura of authenticity due to the author's lack of need to tout his own accomplishments. The book is hubris free. This inner peacefulness, along with command ability, probably explains Bradley's rise to the level of senior American ground commander in Europe. He even comments about working calculus problems for relaxation!
Written in 1951, this book is superb. It gives insider's account of the American effort and strategic management in the European Theater of Operations. It is well written, clear and largely devoid of the bombast that can weigh down some combat and command accounts. Although a big book, it reads quickly.
Sidebar - One of the highlights of my life was interviewing Omar Bradley for the God and Country Boy Scout Merit Badge I was working on in 1964. He was living in military housing on the William Beaumont Hospital grounds at Fort Bliss, Texas. My father was stationed in El Paso at the time. The retired Five-Star General was very kind, patience, and encouraging as I asked him the dumb questions an eleven-years old boy asks. Read and reviewed by Jimmie A. Kepler.
Remember, this book is Bradley's take on events. I am sure that some involved in controversies he covered would defend their actions or inactions. Yet this account has an aura of authenticity due to the author's lack of need to tout his own accomplishments. The book is hubris free. This inner peacefulness, along with command ability, probably explains Bradley's rise to the level of senior American ground commander in Europe. He even comments about working calculus problems for relaxation!
Written in 1951, this book is superb. It gives insider's account of the American effort and strategic management in the European Theater of Operations. It is well written, clear and largely devoid of the bombast that can weigh down some combat and command accounts. Although a big book, it reads quickly.
Sidebar - One of the highlights of my life was interviewing Omar Bradley for the God and Country Boy Scout Merit Badge I was working on in 1964. He was living in military housing on the William Beaumont Hospital grounds at Fort Bliss, Texas. My father was stationed in El Paso at the time. The retired Five-Star General was very kind, patience, and encouraging as I asked him the dumb questions an eleven-years old boy asks. Read and reviewed by Jimmie A. Kepler.
April 2, 2013
This is sort of "required" reading for WWII buffs because it walks you through the European theatre with the added bonus of all the high level discussions/decisions made by the brass. In addition, Bradley tells numerous stories about the politically incorrect George Patton. We were fortunate to have men like Bradley, Ike, Collins, and Hodges as well as the difficult ones like Patton and Montgomery. This is a lengthy book heavy on battle planning, strategy, etc. and little on "stories." You will learn a lot.
November 23, 2017
A well written autobiography, easy to follow but a few more maps would have helped. Gen. Bradley comes across as an "aw shucks" kind of guy. The narrative starts with his first battles in North Africa and continues to Sicily, Italy and his advancing above his senior, Patton. Bradley discusses his anger following Gen. Patton's embarrassing actions and later his disappointed in Gen. Montgomery's slow to start offensives. Like any book about an army general, stories about the GI in the frontlines is lost to the 'big picture' of army group maneuvers.
June 28, 2013
Omar Bradley is one of those crucially important soldiers whose fame is limited by their non-self promoting nature and the fact that they never held the top command. Nonetheless they were eyewitnesses to history and their observations are fascinating. “A Soldier’s Story” is Bradley’s memoir of service from his arrival in North Africa in 1943 until V-E Day in May 1945. It takes the reader into the conferences of the highest echelon and the encounters with the lowliest private. It chronicles the anecdotes that reveal the humanity of the brass.
On these pages we come to know Bradley along with those with whom he worked: Eisenhower, Patton and Montgomery, Terry Allen, Ted Roosevelt and Ernie Pyle just to name a few. He explains the reasons for the actions that were taken as he narrates the march across Europe. Debates over the Mediterranean vs. Normandy, the extent and timing of D-Day and, the invasion itself and supply charges that ended only with the German surrender have to seize the attention of any who pick up this book.
Although I am sure that Bradley was circumspect in his evaluations of brother officers, he is not afraid to present his opinions. Although generally favorable, he frequently questions Montgomery’s methods, laments Patton’s temper and recklessness and recognized Eisenhower’s tendency to compromise as a necessary quality in an Allied leader.
Now over 60 years old, “A Soldier’s Story” makes up in spontaneity what it lacks in the perspective of current research. These participant memoirs have a permanent place in World War II literature. Churchill and Eisenhower have contributed mightily to the canon. Bradley’s work has done no less.
On these pages we come to know Bradley along with those with whom he worked: Eisenhower, Patton and Montgomery, Terry Allen, Ted Roosevelt and Ernie Pyle just to name a few. He explains the reasons for the actions that were taken as he narrates the march across Europe. Debates over the Mediterranean vs. Normandy, the extent and timing of D-Day and, the invasion itself and supply charges that ended only with the German surrender have to seize the attention of any who pick up this book.
Although I am sure that Bradley was circumspect in his evaluations of brother officers, he is not afraid to present his opinions. Although generally favorable, he frequently questions Montgomery’s methods, laments Patton’s temper and recklessness and recognized Eisenhower’s tendency to compromise as a necessary quality in an Allied leader.
Now over 60 years old, “A Soldier’s Story” makes up in spontaneity what it lacks in the perspective of current research. These participant memoirs have a permanent place in World War II literature. Churchill and Eisenhower have contributed mightily to the canon. Bradley’s work has done no less.
October 6, 2020
The war in Europe form a slightly different perspective than Ike. Bradley is genuine and fair in relating the campaigns from his perspective.
February 2, 2023
General Omar Bradley’s autobiography is far more than just a dry narrative of the campaigns he was involved in and the battles he fought. It is ideal for the reader who desires a “behind the scenes” look at just what it takes to fight a war, from a commander’s standpoint. Planning, logistics, the politics of command, and all the doubts, fears and uncertainties which accompany the movements of millions of men and countless tons of materiel, while facing a determined enemy who is dealing with exactly the same issues, are all prominently featured. Bradley explains the rationale behind many of his command decisions and details how he dealt with such colorful (if that is the right word!) personalities as Patton, Montgomery and Bedell Smith, while at the same time complying with orders from Eisenhower and Marshall. He freely admits his errors and there are few attempts at self-justification (such as characterize the accounts of Churchill and many others).
What stands out most clearly is the difficulty of keeping the Anglo-American alliance on a smooth and level course, and how Bradley’s level-headedness and non-self-seeking personality well suited him for the sometimes-necessary role of go-between or mediator between advocates of opposing viewpoints, and helped him exert a calming influence over those with oversize egos such as Patton and Montgomery. He helped convince Eisenhower to bring Patton back into a more active command role after the infamous “slapping” incident in Sicily, and helped formulate a compromise plan, against Montgomery’s wishes, for the invasion of Germany and encirclement of the Ruhr.
Clearly seen too in the narrative is the growing mistrust of the Russians and the uneasiness about their postwar intentions as the war neared its end. Bradley helped convince Eisenhower to order American commanders to not advance beyond the Elbe and especially not to try and take Berlin, reasoning that the heavy casualties incurred in such an operation would be a useless sacrifice since Berlin was within the Soviet occupation zone and any territory gained thereby would have to eventually be relinquished to them anyway.
The most daring omission is any account of the battle of the Hurtgen Forest. It is covered almost as an afterthought without any discussion of the tens of thousands of casualties suffered or the negligible strategic value of the contested area, or how it could have been completely bypassed. Bradley, of course, was not the only one who tried to look the other way when the subject of this notorious campaign was brought up; but it is surprising considering his forthright attitude toward almost everything else.
Overall this is an excellent and revealing account of how a war is conducted from the view of the upper echelons of command as opposed to that of the men on the front lines. Highly recommended.
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
What stands out most clearly is the difficulty of keeping the Anglo-American alliance on a smooth and level course, and how Bradley’s level-headedness and non-self-seeking personality well suited him for the sometimes-necessary role of go-between or mediator between advocates of opposing viewpoints, and helped him exert a calming influence over those with oversize egos such as Patton and Montgomery. He helped convince Eisenhower to bring Patton back into a more active command role after the infamous “slapping” incident in Sicily, and helped formulate a compromise plan, against Montgomery’s wishes, for the invasion of Germany and encirclement of the Ruhr.
Clearly seen too in the narrative is the growing mistrust of the Russians and the uneasiness about their postwar intentions as the war neared its end. Bradley helped convince Eisenhower to order American commanders to not advance beyond the Elbe and especially not to try and take Berlin, reasoning that the heavy casualties incurred in such an operation would be a useless sacrifice since Berlin was within the Soviet occupation zone and any territory gained thereby would have to eventually be relinquished to them anyway.
The most daring omission is any account of the battle of the Hurtgen Forest. It is covered almost as an afterthought without any discussion of the tens of thousands of casualties suffered or the negligible strategic value of the contested area, or how it could have been completely bypassed. Bradley, of course, was not the only one who tried to look the other way when the subject of this notorious campaign was brought up; but it is surprising considering his forthright attitude toward almost everything else.
Overall this is an excellent and revealing account of how a war is conducted from the view of the upper echelons of command as opposed to that of the men on the front lines. Highly recommended.
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
December 5, 2022
This book was an incredible read! Mind you I am a “bad, slow reader”. Sometimes I get distracted when reading a book. Other than the very beginning of the book being a bit “slow”, the book was riveting! I found myself not getting distracted. The only time I would put the book down was from eye fatigue or physical pain. I was a Division President for a national home builder.
Life had different plans for me. Skipping a very very very long story. I had to completely retire, DUE TO PHYSICAL REASONS, at 51 yrs. Man talk about a punch in the gut. HOWEVER, what a better way to put life in perspective than to read and learn about war. Where many many of these men, when entering the military with an officer's commission, do so with an understanding and yearning to BE IN BATTLE! In addition, to the officers, and because of the Japanese attack at PH many many of the enlisted men RAN to the enlistment offices.
So I HAD to start finding other ways to occupy my time. I’ve always loved all the stories of courage, bravery and pure determination against all odds that I decided to become more educated about WW II. Man DID I FIND THE CORRECT BOOK!
General Bradley does an extraordinary job of taking the extreme difficulties of the “logistics of war” (pun intended) and breaks it down so a person who never served in the armed forces can follow. I think if I had served and understood ALL of the intricacies of the military I suspect that this would be a PERFECT book.
Even though we ALL KNOW HOW THE WAR ENDED many times I was still in the edge of my seat enjoying every word.
His descriptions made it feel like I was walking next to him during the entire book. When I finished reading the book I actually became a bit upset, because………………..there was nothing more to read! Haha
This man ran the entire US European Theater of War. The “front” stretched over 640 miles with approximately 3/4 million men! Learn about the politics of war, the logistics of war and the real price of war!
Before the war began Omar Bradley was a Lt Colonel in “civilian clothes”. When the war ended he was a 4 star General and went on to become the countries first Commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the military!
General Bradley’s humility I have found to be second to none!
If you have any interest in WW II and you do not read this book you will have made a very poor choice.
Read it and understand why we won the war! You will not be deluged with “secretes” because this book was published(officially) in 1981. That was well before most of the intelligence from the war was declassified.
Non the less, this is a tremendous read!
Life had different plans for me. Skipping a very very very long story. I had to completely retire, DUE TO PHYSICAL REASONS, at 51 yrs. Man talk about a punch in the gut. HOWEVER, what a better way to put life in perspective than to read and learn about war. Where many many of these men, when entering the military with an officer's commission, do so with an understanding and yearning to BE IN BATTLE! In addition, to the officers, and because of the Japanese attack at PH many many of the enlisted men RAN to the enlistment offices.
So I HAD to start finding other ways to occupy my time. I’ve always loved all the stories of courage, bravery and pure determination against all odds that I decided to become more educated about WW II. Man DID I FIND THE CORRECT BOOK!
General Bradley does an extraordinary job of taking the extreme difficulties of the “logistics of war” (pun intended) and breaks it down so a person who never served in the armed forces can follow. I think if I had served and understood ALL of the intricacies of the military I suspect that this would be a PERFECT book.
Even though we ALL KNOW HOW THE WAR ENDED many times I was still in the edge of my seat enjoying every word.
His descriptions made it feel like I was walking next to him during the entire book. When I finished reading the book I actually became a bit upset, because………………..there was nothing more to read! Haha
This man ran the entire US European Theater of War. The “front” stretched over 640 miles with approximately 3/4 million men! Learn about the politics of war, the logistics of war and the real price of war!
Before the war began Omar Bradley was a Lt Colonel in “civilian clothes”. When the war ended he was a 4 star General and went on to become the countries first Commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the military!
General Bradley’s humility I have found to be second to none!
If you have any interest in WW II and you do not read this book you will have made a very poor choice.
Read it and understand why we won the war! You will not be deluged with “secretes” because this book was published(officially) in 1981. That was well before most of the intelligence from the war was declassified.
Non the less, this is a tremendous read!
May 16, 2023
Omar Bradley is one of the most puzzling figures of WW II. No American General rose so far, so fast in WWII and got such good press. And yet he had a lackluster pre-war record, had little charisma, and turned in a mediocre performance.
This somewhat bland autobiography doesn't solve the mystery. Bradley lays out how it happened. Ater missing combat during WW I, Bradley spent the inter-war years teaching mathmatics and tactics, and going to various Schools. His big break came in 1939, when his former Boss George Marshall asked him become an aide to the Chief of Staff.
Impressed by Bradley's performance, Marshall made him Chief of Infantry in Feb 1941, and gave him command of the 82nd Division in Feb 1942. In February 43, Bradley went to North Africa as an observer, and Ike fell in love with him. He then spent 4 weeks as II Corps deputy commander, and then commanded II Corps in the last 3 weeks of the Tunisia campaign. This was followed by 5 weeks fighting in Sicily under Patton.
At this point, August 43, Bradley had spent 4 months as a Corps Commander, and commanded that Corps in 8 weeks of combat. A rather thin combat record, especially when no one could point to any brilliant or ground-shaking manuaevers. Yet it was enough for Ernie Pyle to label him "The GI General" and paint the false picture of Bradley as beloved by the average GI.
And it was good enough for Marshall to order Bradley to England to help plan D-Day. And when Ike was put in charge of Overlord, he ignored more senior and experienced Generals and in January 1944 penciled Bradley in as projected 1st Army and 12th army group commander.
From Divisional command to projected Army Group Commander in less than a year. Quite a promotion path!
As for the book itself, its rather self-serving. All of Bradley's mistakes are explained away or blamed on someone else. The shots at Montgomery are surprising, given that Anglo-American unity was very important in 1951. The only other targets are Terry Allen and Patton, and Bradley tempers what he really thought ot them.
This somewhat bland autobiography doesn't solve the mystery. Bradley lays out how it happened. Ater missing combat during WW I, Bradley spent the inter-war years teaching mathmatics and tactics, and going to various Schools. His big break came in 1939, when his former Boss George Marshall asked him become an aide to the Chief of Staff.
Impressed by Bradley's performance, Marshall made him Chief of Infantry in Feb 1941, and gave him command of the 82nd Division in Feb 1942. In February 43, Bradley went to North Africa as an observer, and Ike fell in love with him. He then spent 4 weeks as II Corps deputy commander, and then commanded II Corps in the last 3 weeks of the Tunisia campaign. This was followed by 5 weeks fighting in Sicily under Patton.
At this point, August 43, Bradley had spent 4 months as a Corps Commander, and commanded that Corps in 8 weeks of combat. A rather thin combat record, especially when no one could point to any brilliant or ground-shaking manuaevers. Yet it was enough for Ernie Pyle to label him "The GI General" and paint the false picture of Bradley as beloved by the average GI.
And it was good enough for Marshall to order Bradley to England to help plan D-Day. And when Ike was put in charge of Overlord, he ignored more senior and experienced Generals and in January 1944 penciled Bradley in as projected 1st Army and 12th army group commander.
From Divisional command to projected Army Group Commander in less than a year. Quite a promotion path!
As for the book itself, its rather self-serving. All of Bradley's mistakes are explained away or blamed on someone else. The shots at Montgomery are surprising, given that Anglo-American unity was very important in 1951. The only other targets are Terry Allen and Patton, and Bradley tempers what he really thought ot them.
January 2, 2019
One of the greatest books of WW II I’ve ever read, and if you want to read about the European theater, this is it.
As a teenager I read “Patton: Ordeal and Triumph,” one of the books the movie was based on (Bradley’s book was the other.) As a younger man, I had a lot of idol worship of Patton. But reading this book (I will re-read “Patton” in the next few months) you get a fuller picture of the issues, personalities, crisis’s, etc. that shaped the war in North Africa, Sicily/Italy, and Western Europe. As I’ve read multiple books on this subject, it amazes me how such great leaders came up at the right time.
And how they fit into their positions. I hate to think of what would have happened if Patton was put in charge of SHAEF (It would not be boring.) Patton, for all of his talents, was not set for this level of command. Neither was Bradley. Ike knew how to keep a coalition together, to ruffle the feathers of his American subordinates, especially with the pain in the ass Montgomery.
In all fairness to Monty, he commanded the last army Britain would be able to field. The War Office was already reclassifying draft rejects to get more men on the line.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book more strongly.
As a teenager I read “Patton: Ordeal and Triumph,” one of the books the movie was based on (Bradley’s book was the other.) As a younger man, I had a lot of idol worship of Patton. But reading this book (I will re-read “Patton” in the next few months) you get a fuller picture of the issues, personalities, crisis’s, etc. that shaped the war in North Africa, Sicily/Italy, and Western Europe. As I’ve read multiple books on this subject, it amazes me how such great leaders came up at the right time.
And how they fit into their positions. I hate to think of what would have happened if Patton was put in charge of SHAEF (It would not be boring.) Patton, for all of his talents, was not set for this level of command. Neither was Bradley. Ike knew how to keep a coalition together, to ruffle the feathers of his American subordinates, especially with the pain in the ass Montgomery.
In all fairness to Monty, he commanded the last army Britain would be able to field. The War Office was already reclassifying draft rejects to get more men on the line.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book more strongly.
October 31, 2024
I was a bit disappointed with this book for a couple of reasons. The first being my expectations. I thought this book might provide some detailed insight into Omar Bradley - The General. That was more my mistake since the book is written by Bradley, not about Bradley. This isn't the reason, however, for my 3 star rating. Bradley provided a chronological history of his involvement in WWII from Africa through Europe. Although I found Bradley's interactions with Patton, Eisenhower and others very insightful, I thought the book was a bit too biased. There was rarely a mention of Allied causalities and hardships, only the perception that the Allied armies advanced relatively unhindered. I feel somebody reading this book as a primary source of information regarding WWII in Europe would have a very "rosy" view of the war with the Allied generals and commanders making all of the right decisions and outsmarting the German military at every turn.
May 4, 2020
The book was not what I was expecting - I thought it would be a more complete biography of Omar Bradley, but in reality it's a description of his service as a commander in WW II with little that went before (some, but not much, and definitely not as much as I thought there would be.
Honestly, that worried me - I thought this would be just another high-level rehash of the various campaigns with nothing above and beyond what I've already read. I was wrong.
This is a first-person account of the thought processes that went into the decisions General Bradley made during those campaigns, for the most part as the situations appeared to him at the time the decisions were made. He talks about how those decisions turned out as well - even when they went wrong. Truly an interesting read, and I can understand why he was nicknamed "the GI's General."
Honestly, that worried me - I thought this would be just another high-level rehash of the various campaigns with nothing above and beyond what I've already read. I was wrong.
This is a first-person account of the thought processes that went into the decisions General Bradley made during those campaigns, for the most part as the situations appeared to him at the time the decisions were made. He talks about how those decisions turned out as well - even when they went wrong. Truly an interesting read, and I can understand why he was nicknamed "the GI's General."
September 27, 2023
Wow! General Bradley (and those helping him) created a very accessible chronicle of his experiences in Africa, Sicily, anhd Europe during WW2. He didn't pull many punches describing his dealings with Eisenhower, Patton, Montgomery and others. There are plenty of facts and figures out there and one shouldn't forget Atkinson's Liberation Trilogy with its "everyman" view of the campaigns, but Bradley describes *what* he was thinking and dealing with as he led a corps, army, and army group over his three years of war. Definiely worth the read for anyone with an interest in World War II Africa/Europe.
October 7, 2019
Bradley’s memoirs of the WWII are a must read for anyone with an interest in WWII. Bradley’s reserve and personality would earn him the nickname of ‘The GI’s General’ and this shows in his work as he recounts his years on the battlefield of Europe and his interactions with his fellow allied leaders.
My only real criticism of this work that did stop me from giving this five stars is that I felt that it was rushed in some places and it resulted in a lack of seeing the full scope from his perspective.
My only real criticism of this work that did stop me from giving this five stars is that I felt that it was rushed in some places and it resulted in a lack of seeing the full scope from his perspective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2019
Maybe it felt less spectacular, because I just finished "Patton: ordeal&triumph" and saw lots of conversations and events back in this book (to be clear, this book was written first). I did appreciate how he emphasized the cold calculations involved in strategic level warfare (how much lives are we willing to throw against an objective? How much tonnage for each service?..). I'd loved to read more about how he reflected upon WW2, how he viewed the Korean War in comparison and his job as first COJC, alas this book only covers WW2.
October 9, 2017
I usually do not like autobiographies but General Bradley elicited the help of the very skilled biographer Clay Blair to aid him in the preparation of this work. Bradley had his finger on the pulse of America for several years in a way that very few others have or will have again and his observations are wonderful to read. A word of warning to any fan of Field Marshall Bernard L. Montgomery, General Bradley was not a fan.
November 15, 2017
Read this while on a trip in which I needed one which would take some time to complete. For me it was the best book I've read on WWII covering from the African battles through the D-Day invasion, through the end of the war. Filled with details and interesting facts from the person who was in charge of the campaign in Europe. Recommended for those wanting to know more about this important part of US (and world) history.
July 28, 2019
Great summary of the war, battles, and some of the internal political struggles amongst the key generals (Omar, Patton, Ike, Montgomery, etc). Bradley seems to be pretty forthright and honest, though I do think he held back a bit given he was still a public official when it was published. Book reads like a memoir and flows much better than a traditional history book. He does go into too much detail at times, but overall I would recommend.
December 3, 2017
Very good narrative. Explained his thoughts and actions clearly. Only thing I thought lacking was the victory over Berlin. The AEF gets over the Rhine, communicates with Russia, decides on a mutual halting point, and the Bradley is back to the States. It is the way it happened, but was hoping for more thought on the end of the ETO
April 7, 2018
A very detailed description of the WW II battles in North Africa and Europe which General Bradley was involved. It was very informative and most fascinating when he commented on the personalities of Generals Patton and Montgomery. However, the minutiae regarding some of the battles and strategy made it difficult to follow and to stay focused.
March 23, 2021
Solid book. Pretty complicated to follow all the names and divisions as the evolved and shifted. The complexity of the planning - and the supply chain issues and how they impacted decisions really comes to light. Plenty of maps!! Bradley presents a good balance between details, strategies, relationships and how they influenced the decisions he made in a way the keeps the book moving.
October 10, 2024
Really interesting to read how major decisions were made in the war and what happened at the top level of the military. He writes in a very straightforward way and there are amusing anecdotes throughout. It is very technical and tactical, so I would only recommend it if you have a strong knowledge of WW2 and are more than a casual reader.
January 13, 2021
This book starts off very slowly at first but it picks up speed and ends up being a great read. My copy of this book is an original first edition from 1951. I had to be very careful with the book spine.
June 10, 2021
Ike gets the press, the presidency and newsreels but this general was the ideal no 2 man. How he managed to herd Patton's flaws to enable him to lead is just one gem of this book, one of many. He made mistakes but they were far outweighed by his many successes.
November 1, 2016
Five stars for the four star General. I highly recommend Bradley's autobiography. Read my full review at www.hlgibsonauthor.com
February 28, 2018
My much respected nephew, Jeff Gibson turned me on to this one. It's turgid and often boring, he said, but it definitely rewards your effort. He was correct. Be warned--but encouraged.
July 29, 2018
An interesting glance into the Allied war rooms of the Second World War.
January 6, 2019
General Bradley goes into great detail on how World War II was fought in Europe. It is an interesting book.
December 6, 2020
Complex, fascinating, enlightening.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews