The Great Generals: Pershing, Eisenhower, Bradley, Patton

These are the stories of American Warriors – the lives they led, the victories they won, and the leadership they provided. These insightful biographies provide a unique look at the men that led America’s armies in the epic battles and conflicts of the twentieth century.

In this program, we look at four American Generals that led U.S. forces in Europe during World War I and World War II.

1. John J. Pershing commanded the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in Europe during World War I. Upon his return in 1919 the U.S. Congress authorized President Wilson to award him the title “General of the Armies of the United States.” Up until that time no other American commander had held that rank.
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower, nicknamed “Ike,” was a soldier and politician. In November 1942 he was appointed to lead Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. In January 1944 he was appointed Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe. He oversaw Operation Overlord, the invasion of France, and the subsequent invasion of Nazi Germany. Eisenhower was the 35th President of the U.S. from 1953-161.
3. Omar N. Bradley– During World War II, Omar N. Bradley commanded the 12th Army Group, the largest body of American soldiers ever to serve under one field commander. His troops smashed the Nazi counter offensive in the Ardennes at the Battle of the Bulge and captured the last standing bridge over the River Rhine at Remagen.
4. George S. Patton, Jr. was a leading U.S. General during World War II in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, France, and Germany. He commanded the 3rd Army during the liberation of France, played a crucial role during the Battle of the Bulge, and in the invasion of Nazi Germany. A true icon of World War II, Patton earned the nickname “Old Blood and Guts” for his aggressiveness, discipline, and zeal for combat.