Claire Lee Chennault

The military genius is a rare and valued individual. Carl von Clausewitz wrote extensively on the necessity for and determinants of the military genius. Specifically he wrote of the need for an inquiring mind, a comprehensive approach, and a calm head. Claire Lee Chennault lived during a time when these qualities of genius were critically important to the United States. This paper examines Chennault's actions within Clausewitz's definition and explores the reactions of those around him during his life.