General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, at his headquarters in the European theather of operations. He wears the five-star cluster of the newly-created rank of General of the Army. February 1, 1945. T4c. Messerlin. (Army) NARA FILE #: 080-G-331330 WAR & CONFLICT BOOK #: 745
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, during World War two. He wears the five-star cluster of the newly-created rank of General of the Army.
Five Star General
Yes, it is true. Most of us imagine that our war heroes had worked themselves up to the top job by showing great leadership on the battlefield. Dwight Eisenhower, however, our 34th President and the General who led the Allied forces during WWII, never stepped one foot on an active battlefield in his career. Let’s be fair, however, — it wasn’t his fault, because he longed to be on the front lines, but it never happened. Before we talk about why, let’s discuss who did go to combat.
Defeating the enemy in World War II took the best military minds on the planet. Eisenhower was chosen as the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces. A Five Star General, (only nine in American history) Eisenhower was known for his leadership and decision making.
There were many people, however, who were skeptical, and felt that the Supreme Commander should be someone who actually had combat experience.
Not sold on Eisenhower
Also, the public was not sold on the idea that an office man, like Eisenhower, was up to the job. He, however, had surrounded himself with the best military minds– England’s General Bernard Montgomery and Chief Air Marshal Arthur Tedder, America’s General’s Omar Bradley, George Patton, and others. Montgomery openly expressed his disdain for Eisenhower and felt that Ike’s generalship was second-rate.
Patton referred to Eisenhower as “ Britain’s straw man.” meaning he felt that Ike was too weak to face the coming storm. With the exception of Dwight Eisenhower, the others had front line experience.
Disdain From Other Generals
Bernard Montgomery served in World War I and survived the battle of Le Cateau. Half the members of his battalion were killed. With a group of battlefield survivors, Lt. Montgomery avoided capture by marching at night and hiding during the day. In a later battle, Montgomery was shot through the lung.
Arthur Tedder served as a pilot and squadron commander on the Western Front during World War I. He participated in many dangerous missions and was awarded the Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour.
Omar Bradley, a West Point classmate of his, received his front-line experience during World War II. He led the American forces in the D-Day invasion. Like Eisenhower, Bradley had wanted to be in combat during World War I, but was denied the request.
General George Patton
George Pattons combat experiences are legendary. His colorful career centered on his desire for war. Before World War II, Patton saw action in the war with Mexico (1915), and, as well as a tank commander in France during World War I. His philosophy of leading from the front lines earned him two Silver sSars, one Bronze, two Purple Hearts, and many other medals.
Dwight Eisenhower’s desire for combat experience was a passion he had from the moment that he graduated from West Point. When the United States entered World War I, he immediately asked to be sent overseas, but his request was turned down. Two more times he requested to go into combat, and instead, he spent World War I in the States as a training officer.
Strategies and Organizational Skills
Throughout his career his organizational skills and genius for military strategies made him indispensable to the Army. In other words, Dwight Eisenhower was just too valuable to chance his life on the battlefield. Although he never fulfilled his dream of participating on the battlefield, Dwight Eisenhower did what the world needed, and brought about the end of the war in Europe during World War II.
For more readings: The Longest Day, by Cornelius Ryan, and Eisenhower in War and Peace, by Jean Edward Smith.
About the Author
good article — just which more people really knew Ike was a complete suck up his whole career — he had no idea how to run a battle yet he is given all the credit for winning WW 2
I am a historian and the truth is he was great president
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article on Eisenhower! It was fascinating to learn about his remarkable journey as a five-star general without any battlefield experience. Your writing style is engaging and informative, making it easy to dive into the story and appreciate the historical significance. Thank you for shedding light on this lesser-known aspect of Eisenhower’s military career. Great job!
Best regards,
Martin Williamson
I know nothing about the military or being in battle . But it seems Eisenhower must have done a great job after all we won the war even in the face of terrible odds. It took everyone who fought to achieve that result and very many who never saw battle .The civilian populace also helped a great deal. Ty for this article.
My father was with his crew working on a pipeline near Abaline Kansas when General Eisenhower returned to Abaline from the war. My father dismissed his crew early so they could watch the parade of Ikes home coming. Though my dad was too young for the first working l d war and too old for the second WW he was a courageous man , I love him still in my heart .