In All U.S. Military History, These Are the 5 Worst Generals

[rangerrebew]

 

December 19, 2019

In All U.S. Military History, These Are the 5 Worst Generals

Do any surprise you?
by Michael Peck
 

Key Point: There are several characteristics that make someone a bad general, from bad tactics, to poor planning, to insubordination.
 

It would be nice if all American generals were great. How might Vietnam or Iraq have turned out if a George Washington, a Ulysses Grant or a George Patton had been in command?

Alas, call it the laws of probability or just cosmic karma, but every nation produces bad generals as well as good ones—and America is no exception.
 

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/all-us-military-history-these-are-5-worst-generals-106286

[PeteS in CA]

Going to have to disagree re MacArthur. E.G. here is what was on hand in the Phillipines just before the Japanese attack, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_East_Air_Force_(United_States)#Aircraft_inventory_on_8_December_1941 . Even the numbers are misleading as only 54 of the P-40s were fully operational, most/all being obsolescent "B" models; pilot readiness was similar. "C" and "D" model B-17s were also obsolescent. P-26s, B-10s, and B-18s were somewhere between obsolete and laughable. P-35s were obsolescent or obsolete.

By way of contrast, the IJN and IJA forces vastly outnumbered what MacArthur had (5:1 possibly?), their planes were largely current, based in nearby Formosa, and their pilots very experienced. There was no way the FFAF could have "disrupted" the Japanese invasion. Whether accidentally or intentionally, MacArthur's inaction probably saved dozens or scores of pilots' lives. FWIW, the Asiatic Fleet was similarly mostly obsolescent, though many of their ships were at sea, an option MacArthur's FFAF did not have.

The destruction of the FFAF was, obviously, inglorious. But had it been preserved entirely intact it would have accomplished very little. Numbers, obsolescent planes, inexperienced pilots, and distance from supplies all ensured that.

[Fishrrman]

Horatio Gates
George McClellan
Lloyd Fredendall
Douglas MacArthur
Tommy Franks

[Absalom]

Putting Douglas Mac Arthur on the list confirms this journo jackass as brain dead.
* Since a substantial majority of our resources in WW2 were directed to the European Theater,
MacArthur created an "island hopping strategy'"which allowed him to bypass/isolate numerous
concentrations of Japanese across the Pacific thereby marshaling his resources against Islands
such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa; whose runways were critical in defeating Japan's Home Islands.
This strategy also avoided at least 150,000 casualties.
* MacArthur's Inchon landing provided the impetus/seeds for the defeat of both NK and China.
That it was unsuccessful is a consequence of a political hack like POTUS Harry Truman;
a mid-level Field Officer who detested MacArthur, his Commander in France, during the Great War.

[dfwgator]

Wesley Clark, who almost got us into WWIII in Kosovo.

[Smokin Joe]

Not one mention of Gen. Jubilation T Cornpone.

Harumph!

[PeteS in CA]

Not one mention of Gen. Jubilation T Cornpone.

Harumph!

  

[skeeter]

Going to have to disagree re MacArthur. E.G. here is what was on hand in the Phillipines just before the Japanese attack, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_East_Air_Force_(United_States)#Aircraft_inventory_on_8_December_1941 . Even the numbers are misleading as only 54 of the P-40s were fully operational, most/all being obsolescent "B" models; pilot readiness was similar. "C" and "D" model B-17s were also obsolescent. P-26s, B-10s, and B-18s were somewhere between obsolete and laughable. P-35s were obsolescent or obsolete.

By way of contrast, the IJN and IJA forces vastly outnumbered what MacArthur had (5:1 possibly?), their planes were largely current, based in nearby Formosa, and their pilots very experienced. There was no way the FFAF could have "disrupted" the Japanese invasion. Whether accidentally or intentionally, MacArthur's inaction probably saved dozens or scores of pilots' lives. FWIW, the Asiatic Fleet was similarly mostly obsolescent, though many of their ships were at sea, an option MacArthur's FFAF did not have.

The destruction of the FFAF was, obviously, inglorious. But had it been preserved entirely intact it would have accomplished very little. Numbers, obsolescent planes, inexperienced pilots, and distance from supplies all ensured that.

MacArthur was a mixed bag. He at times was brilliant, at others horrible. His invasion of PI all the way up to Manila and Inchon were examples of excellent generalship. His premature declaration of victory in Manila, which demoralized his troops nd probably prolonged arduous slog across the city and his disregard of intelligence showing PLA had crossed the Yalu and were building up their forces in N Korea are examples of inexcusable ineptitude. He was a fascinating character.

[PeteS in CA]

MacArthur was a mixed bag. He at times was brilliant, at others horrible. His invasion of PI all the way up to Manila and Inchon were examples of excellent generalship. His premature declaration of victory in Manila, which demoralized his troops nd probably prolonged arduous slog across the city and his disregard of intelligence showing PLA had crossed the Yalu and were building up their forces in N Korea are examples of inexcusable ineptitude. He was a fascinating character.

A good summation. In many ways he, culturally, was a critter of the late 19th Century and the military environment in which he grew up. He meshed well with the cultures of the soldiers he led in the fields of WW1, but missed the cultural changes between the wars and thus of the soldiers he led at a distance in WW2 and Korea. The geographic distance was appropriate, but the cultural distance was not healthy.

The USN's Central Pacific Campaign gets the most popular visibility, but MacArthur's campaign in the Southwest Pacific forced the Japanese to divide and spread their resources and multiplied their uncertainties.

MacArthur had a BIG ego. It probably played a part in his not paying attention to intelligence that the Chinese had crossed the Yalu. Much as the Allies assumed Germany was finished and ignored warning signs of what became the Battle of the Bulge, MacArthur believed the North Koreans were finished and ignored signs of the widening of the war. He didn't listen to those under him because they were saying what he didn't want to hear.

[Absalom]

MacArthur was a mixed bag. He at times was brilliant, at others horrible. His invasion of PI all the way up to Manila and Inchon were examples of excellent generalship. His premature declaration of victory in Manila, which demoralized his troops nd probably prolonged arduous slog across the city and his disregard of intelligence showing PLA had crossed the Yalu and were building up their forces in N Korea are examples of inexcusable ineptitude. He was a fascinating character.

--------------------------
Up front, I am a MacArthur fan.
Further you're entitled to your opinion, yet it's utter nonsense I completely reject.
MacArthur's actions in Korea demonstrate a military visionary; a trait separating
time-servers, such as our current Pentagon flunkies, from the greats of history.
Unlike haberdasherer Truman, Mac Arthur grasped that Mao's intent was to replace
Japan as the Pacific Rim/Asia power, threatening the USA, Australia and Latin America.
That was the catalyst behind his decisions at the Yalu; to force China's hand.
China had manpower to waste, which it freely did, but neither Naval strength nor
most critically, Air strength. As such, he intended to obliterate their military from
the air, closing their ports and imposing a harsh peace undermining Communism.
But this was too tuff for weenie Harry whose reaction was to urinate in his pants,
after hearing the plan, resulting in MacArthur's dismissal.
The record of history shows that this was an opportunity missed that would have
changed the dynamics of Asia up to the present moment!!!!!

[bigheadfred]

Huh

This author must have run out of new ideas. He posted this same article in 2014 with a different title. "Commanders of Chaos".

Obama won two general elections. And, in general, completely sucked.

[skeeter]

MacArthur had a BIG ego. It probably played a part in his not paying attention to intelligence that the Chinese had crossed the Yalu. Much as the Allies assumed Germany was finished and ignored warning signs of what became the Battle of the Bulge, MacArthur believed the North Koreans were finished and ignored signs of the widening of the war. He didn't listen to those under him because they were saying what he didn't want to hear.

Him surrounding himself with yes men like Major General Willoughby did not help.

[sneakypete]

Putting Douglas Mac Arthur on the list confirms this journo jackass as brain dead.
 

@Absalom

MacArthur succeeded primarily because of his staff. He was a pompous,arrogant,egotistical shithead that was most likely insane.

[sneakypete]

Him surrounding himself with yes men like Major General Willoughby did not help.

@skeeter

That was ENTIRELY the fault of General Willoughby. It is an officers OBLIGATION to step in and refuse to follow orders when he sincerely believes his commander is unbalanced,and to order him to be arrested and held for trail. Willoughby didn't do this because he valued his own career more than he valued his duty as an officer.

[skeeter]

@skeeter

That was ENTIRELY the fault of General Willoughby. It is an officers OBLIGATION to step in and refuse to follow orders when he sincerely believes his commander is unbalanced,and to order him to be arrested and held for trail. Willoughby didn't do this because he valued his own career more than he valued his duty as an officer.

Willoughby saw it as his job to confirm his boss’s perception of the situation, rather than provide him real intelligence.

[Absalom]

Breathtaking how the 'military historians' posting have their perpetual rag on about
MacArthur, labeling him a 'pompous, arrogant, egotistical shithead that was mostly insane.'
No doubt they observed him personally, to validate such a grossly ignorant slander.
And just think, none in the military chain ever noticed these traits during his long career???
Oh the shame!!!

[sneakypete]

Willoughby saw it as his job to confirm his boss’s perception of the situation, rather than provide him real intelligence.

@skeeter

A fancy way of saying he didn't do his duty.

[sneakypete]

Breathtaking how the 'military historians' posting have their perpetual rag on about
MacArthur, labeling him a 'pompous, arrogant, egotistical shithead that was mostly insane.'
No doubt they observed him personally, to validate such a grossly ignorant slander.
And just think, none in the military chain ever noticed these traits during his long career???
Oh the shame!!!

@Absalon

I was a career NCO in the US Army.

You?

[skeeter]

@skeeter

A fancy way of saying he didn't do his duty.

Yeah, I guess so.

[Absalom]

@Absalon
I was a career NCO in the US Army.
You?

-----------------------------
A very direct and simple request, hoping you understand English.
Do not address me again under absolutely any circumstances.
You will never hear another word from me in future!!!!

[Smokin Joe]

--------------------------
Up front, I am a MacArthur fan.
Further you're entitled to your opinion, yet it's utter nonsense I completely reject.
MacArthur's actions in Korea demonstrate a military visionary; a trait separating
time-servers, such as our current Pentagon flunkies, from the greats of history.
Unlike haberdasherer Truman, Mac Arthur grasped that Mao's intent was to replace
Japan as the Pacific Rim/Asia power, threatening the USA, Australia and Latin America.
That was the catalyst behind his decisions at the Yalu; to force China's hand.
China had manpower to waste, which it freely did, but neither Naval strength nor
most critically, Air strength. As such, he intended to obliterate their military from
the air, closing their ports and imposing a harsh peace undermining Communism.
But this was too tuff for weenie Harry whose reaction was to urinate in his pants,
after hearing the plan, resulting in MacArthur's dismissal.
The record of history shows that this was an opportunity missed that would have
changed the dynamics of Asia up to the present moment!!!!!

IIRC, Patton was another mixed bag. He tried to get Ike to let him to bring the 3rd Armored up and cut off the bulge, a move which would have saved lives and shortened the war, but decisions were made farther up the food chain to hammer it back, perhaps punitive in the minds of the leaders who made the choice. Patton also saw the threat of Communism and the USSR, and was known to have commented that it would be best to fight them now, while we had all the stuff over there. While I doubt we would have done quite as well (by then, the Soviets were making a lot of their own stuff and not just importing ours), that might have ended the Cold War before it started.
The East Asian showdown is only on hold, not over.

[Hoodat]

General Ambrose Burnside  -  Responsible for massive slaughters at Antietam and Petersburg.

[Hoodat]

General Lloyd Fredendall  -  Kasserine Pass

[sneakypete]

-----------------------------
A very direct and simple request, hoping you understand English.
Do not address me again under absolutely any circumstances.
You will never hear another word from me in future!!!!

@Absalom

Put me on ignore,bitch!

[sneakypete]

IIRC, Patton was another mixed bag. He tried to get Ike to let him to bring the 3rd Armored up and cut off the bulge, a move which would have saved lives and shortened the war, but decisions were made farther up the food chain to hammer it back, perhaps punitive in the minds of the leaders who made the choice. Patton also saw the threat of Communism and the USSR, and was known to have commented that it would be best to fight them now, while we had all the stuff over there. While I doubt we would have done quite as well (by then, the Soviets were making a lot of their own stuff and not just importing ours), that might have ended the Cold War before it started.
The East Asian showdown is only on hold, not over.

@Smokin Joe

One of my father's friends was drafted during WW-2. I had no idea he ever served until he was older,and I had known him all my life.  I went up to his house one day when he was older and needed help  to help him take out an old refrigerator,and move a new one in. Come to find out he was a tanker in the 3rd Army,and won a Silver Star,a Purple Heart and a Battlefield commission to 1st Lt in Africa. I found this out  because he had a lot of photos of his WW-2 time under glass on his kitchen table. He was a private guy that rarely said much when he walked up to our house every Friday or Saturday afternoon when WCW pro wrasslin came on the tv.  He never even mentioned it when he would sometimes pick me up hitchhiking home wearing my uniform during the VN war.  He would just smile and ask me how I was doing.

He never owned a tv. Had the money to buy one,but didn't want to spent it to just watch pro-wrestling when he would rather do it with my father so he had someone to make comments with. We never locked our house,and it wasn't uncommon to come home from the grocery store Saturday afternoon,and find him in the house watching tv and waiting for wrestling to come on.

Never even saw him frown in my entire life until that day,and I asked him if he ever met Patton. He got a little nuts. Face turned beet red and  he lost control as he ranted and raved about what a butt-hole Patton was.

I found out later he took the ride all the way into Germany and the end of the war,and when the war was over,he just packed his bags and came home. As far as he was concerned he was drafted to serve for the duration of the war,and the war was over,so it was ok for him to go home. Paid  his own way. Was a little steamed when the MP's showed up at his house to take him to the stockade according to my father.

At any rate,he was busted back to Buck Sgt after the end of the war and the army had an excess of 1st Lt's with only a high school education,and since he was already back in the US they just gave him a Bad Conduct Discharge busted  him to Private,and sent him back home again.

I was literally afraid he was going to stroke out at just hearing Patton's name. Never seen anybody turn that red.