Only about one percent of any given officer year group in the Army will make it to the level of general officer. Most of those who do will serve their time and retire without much notice by the general public. Even amongst those in the Army, most general officers are only known by those within their sphere of influence. Not until history steps in do general officers become famous for having perfected their craft. Even then only a small number of those generals seize the opportunity, distinguishing themselves above their peers.
Recently my uncle sent me an article by Michael Peck from back in June titled, “The 5 Greatest U.S. Generals in History.” Overall, the list isn’t bad: George Washington, Winfield Scott, Ulysses S. Grant, George Marshall, and Matthew Ridgway. It could, however, be a lot better.
All five Peck selected have their own merits. Washington is a no-brainer. He’s the father of the country and should be on any list of great American strategic leaders. Scott invaded Mexico in 1847 in an amphibious operation that would not be bested for almost a hundred years. Grant rose above his personal issues to succeed in defeating the Confederacy and do his part to keep the country from being permanently ripped in two. George Marshall managed the growth of the Army into the world-class organization that it still is today. And Ridgway held the line in Korea after MacArthur’s firing.
