General Walter Krueger

Kevin C. Holzimmer is associate professor of comparative military studies and vice dean for academic affairs at the U.S. Air Command and Staff College.

List of Maps Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: The Making of a General Officer: 1881-1943 1. From Germany to the Philippines, 1881-1903 2. Education of a Tactician, 1903-1920 3. Preparation for the High Command, 1920-1938 4. Training with the Third Army, 1938-1943 Part II: Operational Leadership in the Southwest Pacific Area, 1943-1945 5. New Britain, May 1943-February 1944 6. The Fight for New Guinea, Part 1: February - May 1944 7. The Fight for New Guinea, Part 2: May - October 1944 8. Leyte, October - December 1944 9. Luzon and Japan, January 1945 - January 1946 Part III: The Postwar Years, 1946-1967 10. Retirement and Tragedy, 1946-1967 11. Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

"Holzimmer's goal was to 'demonstrate that Krueger's role in World War II was larger and more important than is usually acknowledged.' He has done this and more, bringing to the forefront an outstanding soldier, a fascinating man, and an important part of the Allied victory in the Pacific in World War II."--Armor "Holzimmer's account is succinct, fact based, and well documented. . . . Holzimmer weaves the story of Krueger's growth as a Soldier and a man, effectively capturing Krueger's character, concern for troops, meticulous approach, and conviction about the necessity of education and learning. . . . A fine biography."--Military Review "Holzimmer analyzes the impressive talents of this officer, who played such a pivotal role in the war against Japan. . . . A welcome addition to the historiography of the War in the Pacific."--Journal of America's Military Past "A book readers will find highly informative and balanced, and one that crosses into several genres of written military history. . . . In his introduction, Holzimmer states, "With this study I hope to fill a glaring gap in American military historiography by examining the career of Walter Krueger, specifically his role in World War II." After completing this volume, readers will agree that the author has delivered on this promise. In the world of World War II literature, filling any type of gap is quite an achievement indeed."--On Point "An important volume. In examining the career of the commander of the Sixth Army in the South West Pacific area, Holzimmer has undertaken a daunting task. . . . Where does Krueger stand in the pantheon of American military heroes? Holzimmer makes a convincing case that he is the unsung hero of the Pacific War."--Army "Holzimmer has done a remarkable job of setting the record straight. Anyone interested in the Second World War in the Pacific, or the exercise of senior level command, would be well served to read this work."--Journal of Military History "Holzimmer's meticulously researched study rightfully places Krueger in the center of events between 1943 and 1945, helping to explain the achievements and frustrations of American commanders and soldiers as they pushed back the Japanese enemy."--Michael Schaller, author of Douglas MacArthur: The Far Eastern General "A lucid and definitive military biography that offers a convincing portrait of Krueger both as an army commander and as an individual subject to great pressures from both the enemy and his own immediate superior. Excellent."--Stanley L. Falk, former Chief Historian, U.S. Air Force, and author of Decision at Leyte "Makes a genuine contribution to the literature on World War II."--Edward Drea, author of MacArthur's ULTRA: Codebreaking and the War against Japan, 1942-1945