The Army is convinced that leadership is of surpassing importance to the profession of arms. Commanders have often defeated stronger enemies because of superior judgment, courage, and competence. Our own comparatively young Army has developed an impressive group of men whose talent for demonstrating these essential elements of leadership has meant the margin of victory. Today the art of generalship is being carefully studied by many who may never themselves achieve that rank, but whose skill in leading others may well come to be tested in battle.

This volume offers a unique glimpse at the men who have led the United States Army in peace and war. Their careers reveal both striking parallels and fascinating contrasts as each rose through the different levels of leadership to the awesome responsibility of supreme command. As the author’s introductory analysis makes clear, this responsibility has steadily evolved over the last two hundred years. Although the essential elements of leadership remain unchanged, the duties of a modern-day chief of staff far exceed in complexity those of his counterparts a century or more ago.

The format of the volume combines biographical sketches with the officially designated portraits of the commanding generals and chiefs of staff, accompanied by brief accounts of the artists. These portraits, a part of the art of official portraiture that has continued for more than three centuries, add an interesting and revealing dimension to the biographer’s words.

This volume not only celebrates the legacy of dedication and patriotism left by these leaders but enhances our understanding of military leadership at the highest levels. I commend it to the attention of all students of our profession.