[November 10, 2014] At the recommendation of one of the U.S. Army’s most talented colonels, and trusted friend, I just finished reading a book that was hard to put down. I’ll summarize it below, but what surprised me the most is that I’d never heard of the book. Now don’t get me wrong, I haven’t read nearly as much as I would like … but throughout my military studies you would have thought someone would have recommended the book. Okay, a little whining about not knowing about the book. Honestly, I wish I’d known about this book sooner and wish also that it had been written earlier. It was written as a biography and thus lacks a certain level of intrinsic analysis. While I’m not fond of that style, it still has redeeming qualities in the detail and close look at Abrams the combat leader and Abrams the person.
Thunderbolt: From the Battle of the Bulge to Vietnam and Beyond. Lewis Sorley, 1992.
The book by Sorley is about General Creighton Abrams. Abrams has been considered one of the greatest generals since General Ulysses S. Grant of the U.S. Civil War. That folk assessment may be a little exaggerated but Abrams certainly was among the best officers America has ever produced. Unfortunately for contemporary leaders, we know little about him, his deeds, or his leadership. For nearly four decades Abrams developed key leader characteristics that proved so successful from World War II to Vietnam and beyond into the peacetime army. He showed considerable physical and moral courage, undeniable integrity, and a love of his soldiers. The author has written a portrayal of the U.S. Army’s model soldier, General Abrams, and his role in key events both at war and in America between the wars. For example, Sorley discusses Abrams’ role during the Civil Rights movement as a trusted military representative of the U.S. government and its president. Abrams was a key player in the transformation of the U.S. Army cavalry from horses to tanks and the tactics that employed them so successfully. Due to Abrams’ leadership and vision, the U.S. Army has been successful decades after his retirement. Highly recommended.
To go to the full Professional Reading list, simply click on this direct link: www.theleadermaker.com/reading-list/
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]