The Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers

Brief Summary

The Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers by R. Manning Ancell is an exhaustive reference work focused on the biographical details of general and flag officers who served the United States from December 7, 1941, through September 2, 1945. It encompasses officers from the US Army, US Air Force, National Guard, US Marine Corps, as well as the US Navy and US Coast Guard. The book also details officers who were called to active duty from the Reserves, those who returned from retirement temporarily, and those appointed directly from civilian life. It offers additional appendices that summarize birthplaces, dates, and officers who perished during World War II, along with an extensive index for easy navigation.

Main Themes and Topics

The main theme of The Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers is an exploration of military leadership during a pivotal global conflict. The book highlights the roles and careers of high-ranking officers during World War II, presenting them as instrumental figures in the war efforts. The appendices provide additional data and insights, such as demographics and mortality rates among the officers during the war, offering a broader context to their biographical sketches. This thematic approach serves to underline not only the personal histories of the officers but also their collective impact on military operations during the war.

Writing Style and Tone

R. Manning Ancell's writing style in this work is notably concise and focused, reflecting the book's purpose as a reference resource. The tone is factual and informative, steering clear of subjective commentary or narrative embellishments. Each biographical entry delivers pertinent information succinctly, allowing readers to quickly glean essential details about each officer's service and background. The straightforward presentation supports thorough research and reference, ensuring the content remains accessible to those seeking factual military history.

Criticism

Criticism of the book has often centered on its potential to overwhelm readers due to the sheer volume of information presented. Given its focus on very detailed and specific aspects of military history, some may find the book to lack a narrative element that ties the facts together in a more engaging manner. Additionally, as a specialized reference work, its audience is primarily limited to researchers, historians, and military enthusiasts who possess a prior interest in the subject, potentially alienating general readers.