ABSTRACT
Of all American wars since the Revolution, the Second World War was fought with fewest regrets. In one respect, the form of Eisenhower: At War is somewhat disconcerting. David Eisenhower’s motives and decisions during the war were far more political than has been thought. In reality, the Allied setup for coalition warfare was so riven with rivalries and cross-purposes that it was a wonder Eisenhower was able to survive with his sanity intact. He had insisted on his personal control of the strategic air forces in direct support of the invasion forces. From Normandy to the Ardennes, he seemed to react defensively to the indignities and defiances to which he was subjected almost without respite. One lesson to be learned from both Eisenhower and Bernard L. Montgomery would seem to be that a certain temperament, character, or personality is necessary in the top command to make coalition warfare work.
