Study of the Leadership in the First Infantry Division During World War II

The most critical commodity on the battlefield is leadership and each war has provided the background for many leadership studies. Our Armed Forces service schools have conducted numerous of these studies in an effort to establish leadership guidelines which can be presented to military students for their own evaluation and application. Leadership is not an exact science; no two leaders are identical, nor should they be. Our service schools have recognized this and have cautioned students against copying the mannerisms of a particular leader. Each leader must preserve his own identity and capitalize on his dominant leadership characteristics. The leadership of Major Generals Terry Allen and Clarence R. Huebner in commanding the First Infantry Division during World War II is a fine example of two generals who in succession, commanded a division with great success.