The U.S. has a proud history of military success, thanks to the leadership of military generals. We look at the 21 greatest American military leaders of all time and how they changed our lives.
George Washington
George Washington is one of history’s most influential military leaders due to his victory with the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. Despite facing a poorly equipped army, Washington’s determination was instrumental in victory over the British. On April 30, 1789, Washington became the first president of the United States, the first of 31 presidents who served in the armed forces.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower served as Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, overseeing the Allied invasion of Normandy. He achieved the rank of five-star General of the Army, the highest rank possible until 1950 when the title was retired.
Colin Powell
Colin Powell was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993 and was the first African American to serve in this position. He gained acclaim when he was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism after rescuing fellow soldiers from a helicopter crash in Vietnam.
Norman Schwarzkopf
Gulf War Officer Norman Schwarzkopf led the coalition forces that gained a decisive victory in Iraq. Schwarzkopf successfully led a 100-hour ground offensive that was key to liberating Kuwait. After Vietnam, he held various leadership positions, showcasing his strategic mind and strong work ethic.
Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant is best known for his leadership of the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is credited with employing a war of attrition, wearing down Confederate resources and ultimately defeating them.
William Tecumseh Sherman
William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union general during the American Civil War. He is best known for his scorched-earth march through Georgia, which is considered a turning point in the war. Some credit him as a forerunner of modern warfare, with a focus on logistics and total war tactics.
Stonewall Jackson
Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was a general during the American Civil War and was revered as a brilliant tactician. Jackson is considered one of the most gifted military leaders in American history, and his campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley gained particular notoriety.
George S. Patton Jr
George S. Patton Jr. was a highly accomplished American general who commanded the Third Army during World War II. While Patton was known for his aggressive tactics and leadership style, he was also an expert in tank warfare, which was critical to the successful drive in France after D-Day.
Chester W. Nimitz
Chester W. Nimitz was a fleet admiral in the United States Navy during World War II. Nimitz commanded the Pacific Fleet and played a crucial role in Japan’s defeat in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
William Westmoreland
William Westmoreland was a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was commander of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (M.A.C.V.), and directed a significant increase in U.S. troops in the war.
George C. Marshall
George C. Marshall was an American military leader and statesman who served as the United States Army Chief of Staff during World War II. Marshall is credited with creating the Marshall Plan, which helped to rebuild Europe after the war.
Alexander Haig
Haig was a Military Leader and Diplomat who commanded U.S. troops in Europe during the 1970s. He also served as an aide to generals in the Korean War and received a Bronze Star for bravery while crossing the Han River. During the Watergate scandal, Haig became White House Chief of Staff under President Nixon.
George Dewey
American Admiral George Dewey commanded the Asiatic Squadron of the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War. His victory at the Battle of Manila Bay destroyed the Spanish Pacific fleet.
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee was the commander of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Despite leading the losing side in the war, Lee is often applauded for his defensive warfare tactics and ability to inspire his troops.
Douglas MacArthur
Douglas MacArthur was a general in the Allied forces in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded World War II. Despite limited resources, he led a valiant defense before being ordered to withdraw to Australia. MacArthur received numerous medals for his service in multiple wars, including the Medal of Honor.
Philip Sheridan
Sheridan led Grant’s cavalry throughout the majority of the Civil War. The prominent Union general was known for his aggressive cavalry tactics and significant role in defeating the Confederacy. His reign is shrouded in controversy as thousands of native Americans were killed and tribes were forced onto reservations.
Omar Bradley
Omar Bradley was Eisenhower’s chief subordinate who commanded most of the D-Day landing force. Bradly later ran the Twelfth United States Army Group in WWII, one of the most significant forces in U.S. history.
John Pershing
John Pershing commanded the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) in Europe during World War I. He is credited with helping to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies, making him one of the greatest generals in American history.
Matthew Ridgway
In 1942, Matthew Ridgway took command of the 82nd Infantry Division, overseeing its transformation into the elite 82nd Airborne Division, a pioneering paratrooper unit. He is best known for overseeing the U.N. forces during the Korean War, reinvigorating forces that the Koreans had severely hit.
Andrew Jackson
America’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson, played a vital role in the U.S. military during the War of 1812. Jackson gained national fame as a military leader during the War of 1812, particularly for his victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans.
Vo Nguyen Giap
Vo Nguyen Giap was pivotal in Vietnamese history, particularly during the 20th century. He is most recognized as a military leader who orchestrated victories against French and American forces. He is considered one of the greatest military strategists of the 20th century.
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