Supplying the Troops: General Somervell and American Logistics in World War II

Supplying the Troops: General Somervell and American Logistics in World War II PDF Author: John Kennedy Ohl
Publisher: Plunkett Lake Press/Cornell University Press
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 317

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Book Description
In World War II, the United States mounted a military effort of unprecedented magnitude and complexity. With more than 11 million soldiers to be armed, fed, clothed, and transported, logistics — including the design, procurement, distribution, and movements of supplies and the transportation of troops — became big business. General Brehon B. Somervell, a brilliant military-industrial manager, led the army’s wartime logistical operation. Sometimes criticized as a big spender, he understood well the decisive role of superior material and mobility. As America’s chief wartime logistician, he demanded ample supplies for the troops, at the right place at the right time. A graduate of West Point, Somervell served his country in both the military and civilian arenas. As head of the Works Progress Administration in New York City, he won recognition for his effective management; later, he helped prepare the nation for war by building training camps and munitions plants. At the height of his career, as head of the War Department Services of Supply — known later as the Army Service Forces — Somervell was responsible for the supply and administration of the army within the United States and the support of troops overseas. He also was the War Department’s principal logistical advisor and troubleshooter. In these ways, Somervell played a vital role in the mobilization of forces and powerfully influenced the United States’ conduct of the war. “Ohl has provided a signal contribution to our knowledge of the war and those who led it. He takes great pains to analyze frankly Somervell’s techniques and style, especially his political sure-footedness and his callous handling of subordinates... [a] generally superb study.” — Leslie Anders, The American Historical Review “Ohl’s lucid biography of General Brehon Burke (Bill) Somervell is a valuable corrective to frequent emphases upon strategy and tactics at the expense of logistics... Ohl splendidly depicts Somervell’s acquisition of managerial techniques in the inter-war army and his ruthless demeanour in War Department turf battles before and during the Second World War... Ohl has performed a tremendous service to Second World War historians by reminding us of the importance of logistics and reintroducing us to this complex and fiery general.” — Kevin Smith, The International History Review “Ohl convincingly demonstrates Somervell’s grasp of the impact of logistics on strategy... Ohl is not afraid to paint his subject ‘warts and all...’ Ohl contends that his faults pale in light of Somervell’s contributions to victory and convincingly details these achievements.” — Phyllis A. Zimmerman, The Journal of Military History

Supplying the Troops

Supplying the Troops PDF Author: John Kennedy Ohl
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780875801858
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 331

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Book Description
A graduate of West Point, Somervell served his country in both the military and civilian arenas. As head of the Works Progress Administration in New York City, he won recognition for his effective management; later, he helped prepare the nation for war by building training camps and munitions plants

Logistics in World War II

Logistics in World War II PDF Author: United States. War Department. General Staff
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : World War, 1939-1945
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Transportation and Logistics

Transportation and Logistics PDF Author: Jack C. Fuson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Government publications
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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The big 'L' : American logistics in World War II

The big 'L' : American logistics in World War II PDF Author:
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1428981357
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 456

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Logistical Support of the Armies

Logistical Support of the Armies PDF Author: Roland G. Ruppenthal
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Logistics
Languages : en
Pages : 646

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Book Description
The buildup of American armies under General Eisenhower in the United Kingdom in preparation for the Normandy invasion and an account of how they were supplied during the first three months of operations on the Continent. Both volumes emphasize the influence of logistical support on the planning and conduct of combat operations by field armies.

Spearhead of Logistics

Spearhead of Logistics PDF Author: Benjamin King
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN: 9780160931192
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 584

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Book Description
Spearhead of Logistics is a narrative branch history of the U.S. Army's Transportation Corps, first published in 1994 for transportation personnel and reprinted in 2001 for the larger Army community. The Quartermaster Department coordinated transportation support for the Army until World War I revealed the need for a dedicated corps of specialists. The newly established Transportation Corps, however, lasted for only a few years. Its significant utility for coordinating military transportation became again transparent during World War II, and it was resurrected in mid-1942 to meet the unparalleled logistical demands of fighting in distant theaters. Finally becoming a permanent branch in 1950, the Transportation Corps continued to demonstrate its capability of rapidly supporting U.S. Army operations in global theaters over the next fifty years. With useful lessons of high-quality support that validate the necessity of adequate transportation in a viable national defense posture, it is an important resource for those now involved in military transportation and movement for ongoing expeditionary operations. This text should be useful to both officers and noncommissioned officers who can take examples from the past and apply the successful principles to future operations, thus ensuring a continuing legacy of Transportation excellence within Army operations. Additionally, military science students and military historians may be interested in this volume.

Military Review

Military Review PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Military art and science
Languages : en
Pages : 148

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Professional Journal of the United States Army

Professional Journal of the United States Army PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Military art and science
Languages : en
Pages : 624

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Global Logistics and Strategy, 1940-1943

Global Logistics and Strategy, 1940-1943 PDF Author: Richard M. Leighton
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Government publications
Languages : en
Pages : 820

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Book Description
U.S. Army logistics, primarily of ground forces, in its relation to global strategy; the treatment is from the viewpoint of the central administration in Washington--Joint and Combined Chiefs of Staff, the War Department General Staff, and the Services of Supply.