The Supreme Command

by Forrest C. Pogue

A clear, inside look at how Allied command shaped the war in northwest Europe, 1944–45. This volume explains how the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force directed battles, diplomacy, and daily decisions in a coalition war. It emphasizes the role of the Supreme Commander and his staff, and shows how Allied and enemy plans influenced the drive across western Europe. Written from an American perspective, the book also draws on memories and records from multiple Allied nations to present a complete view of SHAEF’s decisions in action. How unified command, national interests, and personal leadership shaped major wartime choices How operations in the final push toward Germany were planned and executed The interplay between ground, air, and political considerations in coalition warfare Accounts drawn from after-action reports, official histories, and international sources Ideal for readers seeking a structured, documentary account of Allied strategy and command during the pivotal years of the European war.

635 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2018

About the author

Forrest Carlisle Pogue Jr. was an official United States Army historian during World War II. He was a proponent of oral history techniques, and collected many oral histories from the war under the direction of chief Army historian S. L. A. Marshall. He also served for many years as the Executive Director of the George C. Marshall Foundation as well as Director of the Marshall Library located on the campus of Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia.