Introduction
The Korean and Vietnam wars are seen as failures to some and were unpopular in the United States at the time they were fought. The veterans who survived the wars and came home were not met with compassion, instead they were rejected by the masses because they saw the war as unjust and no interest to the United States. The commanders of both wars Generals MacArthur and Westmoreland would forever be associated with how the wars ended in less than victory. In this essay, one will analyze the two generals, compare and contrast their leadership philosophies, and view both men historically.
Military Backgrounds General Douglas MacArthur was born on January 26, 1880, in Little Rock Arkansa. As he grew up, MacArthur became extremely
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Before his name became known for the war in Vietnam, General Westmoreland also served in World War II and the Korean War. When Westmoreland graduated from West Point, like MacArthur, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and posted at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. (Krugin, 2010). From here, Westmoreland began to rise in the ranks, he served in both Hawaii and North Carolina, before he he was sent overseas during World War II. When he first entered the war, Westmoreland was serving with the 34th Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Infantry Division in North Africa as a battalion commander. Shortly after his battalion was moved into European theater, where they fought against the Germans in Sicily, Italy. As he continued to serve, he continually rose in ranks until he reached Chief of Staff for his division. (Krugin, 2010). By 1952, Westmoreland had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He served in Korea as the commander of the 187th Airborne Division. After a year in Korea, Westmoreland came back to America to work at the Pentagon from 1953-1963. In 1963, General Westmoreland was sent to Vietnam, where he worked as a military adviser for the US backed South Vietnamese Army. In 1964, the North Vietnamese Army attacked US …show more content…
He has been described as a brilliant strategist, and a farsighted administrator. His leadership philosophy transcended the military, and much of the effects of his leadership can still be seen today. When in war, he kept the overall objective in his mind at all times, MacArthur was very charismatic and was able to communicate and influence other to follow his lead. He always focused on how important it was to win a war and to have peace afterwards. MacArthur was an effective general, administrator and