Thoughts on Leadership

I’ve been reading Edgar F. Puryear, Jr. book Nineteen Stars: A Study in Military Character and Leadership. It was published in 1971 and is very well written. He compares the leadership styles of Eisenhower, Marshall, MacArthur and Patton (hence the title). He believes Patton accomplished his leadership goals by leading by example, word (talking to his soldiers), training and discipline, personal leadership and concern for the soldier’s welfare (pg243).

Patton was well known personally by his soldiers. He was not a distant figure, but someone who regularly interacted with his men. Puryear mentions that Patton talked to them in small groups, individually or in rehearsed speeches. It’s always amazed me when veterans of the war come to the museum that so many of them actually conversed with Patton. ( He either chewed them out, praised them or just chatted with them, it seems!) But after reading Puryear’s book it now makes sense to me. So many soldiers actually did speak with Patton because he made it his business to interact with his people. It was part of his leadership style.

Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words so I’ll shut up now.

Well someone beat me to it and posted some awesome photos of the 60th Anniversary Celebration. Kudos to the staff at the museum and the Army at Fort Knox for delivering an outstanding show. Looks great! I’ll try and get some more links and photos up soonest.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=881628

Well I was impressed at the turnout at our 60th Anniversary celebration on May 30th and 31st. Over 6000 people came down to Fort Knox to see WW2 tanks engage in reenactments, come to the rededication ceremony for the museum and celebrate Patton’s legacy. I know he’d have been pleased. Hard to believe that 60 years ago Beatrice opened the museum. Since then Patton has developed into a mythic hero. Is it because of the movie I wonder?