In Caesar's Shadow ― The Life of General Robert Eichelberger

Although considered by MacArthur as his "number one" fighting general, Eichelberger is one of the least known of the World War II commanders. Professor Chwialkowski examines General Eichelberger's background, rise through the ranks, and wartime experiences. In the end, he concludes that Eichelberger failed to achieve a widely perceived "special competence" among his peers, that he had the bad luck to lead in "secondary" theaters of operations in both world wars, and, most importantly, that his personality undermined his standing among superiors and subordinates alike. As the only in-depth biography of Eichelberger, the volume provides new material on the campaigns at Buna, Biak, and the Philippines, as well as fresh insights on MacArthur's handling of the Pacific theater of operations. As such, the volume will be of considerable value to students of World War II and American twentieth-century military history.

PAUL CHWIALKOWSKI is Visiting Assistant Professor of History at The University of Toledo and a specialist in modern American military history.