Great Leaders

[sg1987]

I searched and didn’t see where this specific topic has been discussed before.

If you will….
I’d like to initiate a discussion of who are / were great leaders in your opinion. (political, military, whatever); whether famous or known only to a few.

If you would, please list not only who, but why you feel they were great leaders.

I’ll start.

1. Robert E. Lee – Many have written much of this great man. I would like to make the following observations:
Lee was a man of great principle as we all know. His sense of duty as he saw it was greater than the temptation to seek advancement as the head of the Federal Army. He was successful against overwhelming odds for quite some time and I believe most notably, was his extraordinary influence he had upon his men.(see link)

http://www.civilwarhome.com/leetorear.htm


2. CSM Don Purdy – N.C.O.I.C. of a course I once attended (see his views of Army leadership in the Bad Toelz thread).

I'm aware that the topic of leadership has been covered, I'm looking more for examples.

[spectre919]

I am going to nominate MG Gouverneur Kemble Warren, USV; LTC, USA.

Most, if any, will remember GK Warren as the commander of the Federal 5th Corps at Gettysburg. From Little Round Top, Gen. Warren watched as Confederate forces maneuvered to take the mount and crush the left flank of the Federal Army. Realizing the extreme importance of the key terrrain that one battery of 12 lb. Howitzers, himself, and his staff sat on, he quickly signaled for reinforcements. The rest is history and saved the Federal Army of the Potomac from being crushed the second day of the Gettyburg campaign.

Unfortunatly, Gen Warren was railroaded by Gen Phil Sheridan in 1864 and lost his Corps command. General Warren was always known as a competent battlefield leader, a dynamic leader of men, and his Division commanders and soldiers protested his removal.

Some of his lesser known achievements:
- 1st Topological Survey of Yellowstone National Park (circa 1850's)
- 1st Topological Survey of Nebraska, Dakotas, Montana (circa 1850's) which laid out the routes for the Trans-Continental RR


Second Vote: Henry H. "Hap" Arnold

[The Reaper]

On the lesser known side, Colonels Wendell W. Fertig and Russell W. Volckmann.

TR

[spectre919]

TR,

Did some searching and I am impressed yet amazed of the operations they were involved with. And, much earlier in the war than what I would have expected.

As with most students of WWII most of my study has been on the European theater.

Thanks.

S919

[sg1987]

On the lesser known side, Colonels Wendell W. Fertig and Russell W. Volckmann.

TR

I did a little reading on these two gentlemen. I was quite impressed with the accomplishments and the sacrifices of these men. I started this thread for the purpose of researching examples of the great leaders not known to me. (very many more like them I’m sure).
As I read of these two men and their accomplishments I found myself asking why don’t I. and many other Americans know of the sacrifices of these men and so many of our other fellow countrymen.
I can’t help but wonder if others today we’re more aware of sacrifices made in the past; what would be the effect on the general populace regarding their attitudes concerning our fight today against the Islamists.
I’m thinking that in our public education system today we are lacking a concerted effort to “indoctrinate” if you will, our young children in Americana. It seems that our institutions that are funded with our tax dollars should be required to teach not only academics but citizenship / values as well.
Do other cultures in other lands take a proactive steps to preserve their culture?
Perhaps I am too ultraconservative but it seems to me that multiculturalism is playing a major part in the deterioration of the mindset of many in our country, their values, and their ability to recognize and focus on our true enemies. If our people were well educated in the history and sacrifices made by the people in our country perhaps they would be more patient with the present war at hand and realize that freedom is indeed not free and that there really are people out there who would love to take it away from them.
Just my .02 – but what do I know- I’m just a grunt.

[ABN_FO]

I say SFC Raymond Kappus. He was not a poster-boy NCO by any means, pot belly, bald, P-3 profile. He taught me everything I know about being an NCO. No other NCO has mentored me the way he did and still does after retirement!
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device for pulling a buddy from a burning M-88 recovery vehicle hit by artillery, during Desert Storm. I am proud to say I served under his guidance. After 7 years I still get to talk to him every now and again. To SFC Kappus, I say thank you.

[x SF med]

SGM William J. Brosius
MSG Bob Hines

The Epitome of NCOs

[incommin]

All the loyal army wives who deal with the FTX's, TDY's, combat tours, and managing a household on military pay.

Jim

[ABN_FO]

I second that Incommin'. I couldn't do it without her.

[504PIR]

Tommy Carter

Friend and mentor. Always the Professional Soldier!