This stimulating book asks key questions about the twentieth century's leading American generals and, by analysing their character and personality, outlines the qualities which went into making officers such as Patton, Eisenhower and Schwarzkopf distinctive and successful in combat. Based on frank discussions and interviews with American generals and their staffs, and a detailed analytical study of official records and personal recollections, American Generalship pinpoints how well each particular general responded to the demands of war in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. Edgar Puryear examines how each commander stood up to the heavy responsibility of command, overcame the rigours of campaign and performed on the field of battle. He concludes that, despite different techniques and conditions, outstanding American generals all had 'character' in common and shone because of their personal qualities and strength of personality.