EBOOK
Lessons in Leadership
My Life in the US Army from World War II to Vietnam
John R. DeaneSeries: American Warriors(0)
About
John R. Deane Jr. (1919--2013) was born with all the advantages a man needs to succeed in a career in the US Army, and he capitalized on his many opportunities in spectacular fashion. The son of one of George C. Marshall's closest assistants, Deane graduated from West Point with the first class of World War II and served in combat under the dynamic General Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr. After the war, he led a German espionage unit in operations against the Soviets, personally led the first foot patrol following the course of the Berlin Wall as it was being constructed, participated in the 1965 Dominican Republic intervention, and saw combat in Vietnam. In 1975, he received his fourth star and became commander of the US Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command.
In Lessons in Leadership, this exceptional soldier not only discusses working with some of the army's most influential and colorful leaders -- including James M. Gavin, William E. DePuy, William Westmoreland, and Creighton Abrams Jr. -- but also the many junior officers who helped him develop the leadership skills for which he became well known. Throughout, he offers eyewitness accounts of key Cold War--era events as well as wise observations concerning the leadership and management challenges facing the Department of Defense. Ably edited and annotated by Jack C. Mason, Deane's illuminating memoir also features interviews with several of Deane's contemporaries, whose comments and recollections are interspersed to provide depth and context to the narrative.
In Lessons in Leadership, this exceptional soldier not only discusses working with some of the army's most influential and colorful leaders -- including James M. Gavin, William E. DePuy, William Westmoreland, and Creighton Abrams Jr. -- but also the many junior officers who helped him develop the leadership skills for which he became well known. Throughout, he offers eyewitness accounts of key Cold War--era events as well as wise observations concerning the leadership and management challenges facing the Department of Defense. Ably edited and annotated by Jack C. Mason, Deane's illuminating memoir also features interviews with several of Deane's contemporaries, whose comments and recollections are interspersed to provide depth and context to the narrative.
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Reviews
"Jack Deane's entire life revolved around his dedication to the United States Army-as a child of an Army family serving in places such as Georgia, Kansas, and China; as a proud cadet at West Point; and as a brave soldier serving in World War II, Korea, Berlin, and Vietnam. Throughout his retirement, he remained a constant advocate for a wide range of Army issues. His story is an unvarnished accoun
General Barry R. McCaffrey, USA (Ret.)
"This work not only contributes to our understanding of the army in which General John R. Deane Jr. served, but it also helps us better understand the Cold War Department of Defense, military leadership, and leadership and management in general. It is engrossing reading and offers useful ideas to anyone-military or civilian-involved in motivating and directing large organizations."
James Scott Wheeler, author of Jacob L. Devers: A General's Life
"Deane worked for some of the most interesting American leaders-including Major General Terry de la Mesa Allen and General William E. DePuy-and his insights into their methods are enlightening. Lessons in Leadership documents one soldier's considerable service to our nation."
Jonathan M. House, author of A Military History of the Cold War, 1944–1962
Extended Details
- SeriesAmerican Warriors