General Jacob L. "Jake" Devers (1897–1979) was one of only two officers―the other was Omar C. Bradley―to command an army group during the decisive campaigns of 1944–1945 that liberated Europe and ended the war with Nazi Germany. After the war; Devers led the Army Ground Forces in the United States and eventually retired in 1949 after forty years of service. Despite incredible successes on the battlefield; General George C. Marshall's "dependable man" remains one of the most underrated and overlooked figures of his generation.In this definitive biography; James Scott Wheeler delivers a groundbreaking reassessment of the American commander whose contributions to victory in Europe are topped only by General Dwight D. Eisenhower's. Wheeler's exhaustively researched chronicle of Devers's life and career reveals a leader who demonstrated an extraordinary ability to cut through red tape and solve complex problems. Nevertheless; Eisenhower disliked Devers―a fact laid bare when he ordered Devers's Sixth Army Group to halt at the Rhine. After the war; Eisenhower's and Bradley's accounts of the generals' disagreements over strategy and tactics became received wisdom; to the detriment of Devers's reputation.An essential contribution to twentieth-century history; Jacob L. Devers provides a fresh and nuanced interpretation of the senior command during World War II and offers a new perspective on a highly accomplished soldier.
#3956826 in Books The University Press of Kentucky 1991-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.38 x .81 x 6.32l; 1.24 #File Name: 0813117496228 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Thorough and outstandingBy CustomerDr. Tillson so thoroughly researched Virginia's history for this book that when I finished reading it I felt I could be considered a scholar on Virginia's history. This may seem like a book for graduate students; professors of history; and history-philes; but I am a lowly undergraduate student with an interest in history and appreciated and enjoyed this book. Any questions; comments; or concerns I had about the material while reading the book were answered quickly and thoroughly. If you aren interested in this time period or are taking a class on early America; this is an excellent read.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Written about commonfolk; for commonfolk!By LukeRAlbert Tillson could have easily written this book solely for the "gentry" of historical society; but instead took the brilliant path of penning this award-winning tome for the rank and file multitude of history buffs who relish the simple; compelling tour of Virginia's colonial commorants. He scrawls out a story so enchanting that I can only describe it as enchanting. Yes; the endnotes get rather long; but if you're like me you'll bask in the hedonism of his note structure and devour eeach of his many sources in the order he so masterfully lists them. Brilliance!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Dazzling and fiercely hypnoticBy Joe LawlerIn my short time studying with him; Al Tillson instilled in me a love of this fertile time in history; as well as a love for four pocket cuban shirts. The title may not grab you; but the gripping history and Tillson's flowing narrative style will. Less a book about a specific time in history than it is about all history; it speaks to us universally; and gives us a deeper understanding of what is it to be human.
