Command Of Honor: General Lucian Truscott's Path to Victory in World War II

by H. Paul Jeffers

The author of Onward We Charge traces the life and military career of General Lucian K. Truscott, from his youth in Texas and Oklahoma to his rise to become one of the most respected and revered battlefield commanders in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Genres: World War II, History, Biography, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Military History

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2008

About the author

H. Paul Jeffers was an established military historian and author of seventy books. He worked as an editor and producer at ABC, CBS and NBC, and is the only person to have been news director of both of New York City's all-news radio stations. He taught journalism at New York University, Syracuse University, and Boston University.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gen Truscott commanded troops in the landings in North Africa; again in the landings on Sicily, commanded troops at Anzio, commanded troops in the landings in Southern France, posted back to Italy for the Northern Italian campaign, was considered for command of forces in China against Japan but that was superseded when Japan surrendered; replaced Patton in southern Germany when Patton was fired; was Deputy Director of the CIA during the '50's; the man was in so many key battles and conflicts yet we never hear of him. He was so humble and just focused on his job and his men. Never a glory hound...when a captured German general is brought to him, he simply told the security forces to take the guy to the next level up...he had more important work to do than chat with the man. Gen Truscott is the epitome of the warrior ethos and he deserves a thorough and rousing story told of his service--unfortunately he doesn't get it here. I'll give it 3 Stars but taking away a star for NO FREAKING MAPS!! How can you tell the day-to-day battles through Sicily, Italy and southern France without a single map. Overall this is a serviceable bio of Gen Truscott but simply unexciting and left me wanting more. Yes, it has to be tough to write about the man because he left so little to grab onto...I'll give this 2 Stars for filling in the outlines but wish it were more.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sketchy biography of General Lucian Truscott, Jr., that traces his life from his humble beginnings to his military commands during World War II and role in the CIA after the war. It also discusses gaining the polish of a "gentleman" of the period. It details his career either attending or teaching at military schools. A fair read but could have used more depth.

[Adam Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about a "lesser known" commander in WW2 who eschewed the spotlight. I'm not as well versed in the Italian campaign as it is definitely the forgotten front, but I learned quite a bit here. The book looses a star because there are no maps and they would have been of great help with battlefields, campaigns and attacks that are unfamiliar to me that the author assumes we all know.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing how small the recognition that General Lucian Truscott receives in contrast with the more known Generals of World War II. His distinguished leadership and role he played in several major campaigns should be more noted by anyone studying this period of history. Truscott was key in the Allied invasion of North Africa and Sicily. He salvaged the Italian invasion at Anzio and onto Rome. He was a key instrument in the invasion of Southern France, only days after Normandy and larger in amphibious scale. He later returned to lead Allied Forces against the Nazis in Italy until the conclusion of the war. These segments of the war did not garner the same media attention as Normandy and the liberation of Paris. Truscott also became a key Administrator of Bavaria in post war Germany were he had to oversee reconstruction of land, economy, and displaced peoples. Unlike several peer Generals, Truscott avoided the limelight.

The book which became more interesting to me in the latter half, bogged down on some of the earlier campaigns. It was often difficult to keep track of all the military divisions and regiments, and their movements. I felt some basic maps might have been of great advantage to the reader. Also thinking about the scope of General Truscott's achievements, much more can be written. Perhaps through context since it had been stated that biographical material was limited. However, I enjoyed this read more as it progressed and learned much new information that put World War II's European Theatre into a clearer context for me.

[Devin Stringfellow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I did not care for this book. To me it seem like more of a biography of general Lucian Truscott. I am not a fan of biography. Some pros of this book are that it was well written and that and it is very descriptive. At time this book was very boring at parts and it took a long time for the book to start getting good. This book also had time with keeping my interest. over all I was not a fan of this book. I wish I didn't waste my time reading it.

[Jfarley]

Not particularly interested in reading a book in which the author spends all his time quoting other authors who actually wrote a legitimate biography on the subject.



I would not recommend this, unless you'd like a few new anecdotes about the European Theatre in WWII.

[Doug · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is interesting only if you know nothing about General Lucian Truscott. It's a summary of his life, not a biography of one of WWII's most significant figures. It doesn't address any significant quesitons other than raising them: Why did he and Mark Clark not seem to get along? Why did he shun the spotlight, unlike Clark or Patton? Why was Patton still his friend when Clark wasn't?

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

There isn't much written about General Truscott. From 90 day wonder to leading the way in Italy and after the war playing an important part of the cold war in the CIA, Truscott is an American hero as much as Patton or Ike. The book is an easy read, and quite enjoyable.

[Mark Levandoski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gives a little insight into the man, I personally knew nothing about other than mentioned in other books. Seems to me that reading the book Command Missions by Truscott, which was brought up so much in this book, might be the way to go.

[Walter Herrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great to hear historical non-fiction that is not run of the mill. Here is a terrific book that tells the tale of a lesser known (although not a lesser man) general.