Eisenhower Military Background

During forty years of serving in the military I was in World War I and World War II. I also went to school in the military. Although my parents were against it, they respected my choice and my education. During WWI I trained tank crews, but never fought because my authorities didn't want to risk my getting killed, since I was very valuable. Other tank leaders like George S. Patton and he was one of the main reasons why I remained interested in tank warfare. Around 1927 and the early 1930's I joined the peacetime Army, where I stayed even though many friends of mine resigned. Before World War II I also learned to fly, but I never became a pilot for the military. Although I was never really recognized (my leading capabilities had been noticed, but not seriously) things started to turn around during the next war,


After World War I, I studied with Fox Connor about military history and strategies. I was Connor's executive officer, and I am very grateful to his advice, and I believe that he is the one that got me started thinking the way I do now. During World War two I was moved up until I reached General of the Army. Perhaps you would be interested to know some of the reasons I was given this title. Well, one big thing that got me continuously promoted was my leadership and organizational skills, which where eventually seen by George C. Marshall, the Chief of Staff General in charge of Operations Division, while I worked as the Assistant Chief of Staff. I also helped with the invasion of Sicily and the invasion of the Italian mainland. More importantly, I believe, is when I was serving for the General Staff in Washington, right after the attack on Pearl Harbor. That was when I made the "major war plans" to defeat Germany and Japan. Soon after that I was appointed Deputy Chief in charge of Pacific Defenses under the command of General Leonard T. Gerow, who was the Chief of War Plans Division.


By Katie Orton

www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_D_Eisenhower