Description
Of the leaders of the American Army in World War II, Jacob Devers is undoubtedly the "forgotten four star." Plucked from relative obscurity in the Canal Zone, Devers was one of four generals selected by General of the Army George Marshall in 1941 to assist him in preparing the Army for war. He quickly became known in Army circles for his "can do" attitude and remarkable ability to cut through red tape. Among other duties, he was instrumental in transforming Ft. Bragg, then a small Army post, into a major training facility. As head of the armored force, Devers contributed to the development of a faster, more heavily armored tank, equipped with a higher velocity gun that could stand up to the more powerful German tanks, and helped to turn American armor into an effective fighting force. In spring 1943, Devers replaced Dwight Eisenhower as commander of the European Theater of Operations, then was given command of the 6th Army Group that invaded the south of France and fought its way through France and Germany to the Austrian border. In the European campaign to defeat Hitler, Eisenhower had three subordinate army group commanders-British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, Omar S. Bradley, and Jacob Devers. The first two are well-known-here the third receives the attention he properly deserves.
About the Author
John A. Adams is author of The Battle for Western Europe, Fall 1944 (IUP, 2010) and If Mahan Ran the Great Pacific War (IUP, 2008).
Reviews
Given how many volumes have been devoted to World War II leaders, it is perplexing
that Devers has lacked a major biography until now. . . solid and informative.
Book Information
ISBN 9780253015174
Author John A. Adams
Format Hardback
Page Count 456
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 889g