Lesley J. McNair

Lesley James McNair (May 25, 1883 – July 25, 1944) was a senior United States Army officer who served during World War I and World War II. He attained the rank of lieutenant general during his life; he was killed in action during World War II, and received a posthumous promotion to general.

Quotes

• The essential effectiveness of supply was an outstanding feature of the maneuvers. The magnitude of the problem alone was sufficient to warrant apprehension as to whether the troops would be supplied adequately. Combat commanders and the services alike deserve the highest praise for the results achieved.
• There is no question that many of the weaknesses developed in these maneuvers are repeated again and again for lack of discipline. Our troops are capable of the best of discipline. If they lack it, leadership is faulty. A commander who cannot develop proper discipline must be replaced.
  • Second Army vs. First Army, Critiques (September 1941); quoted in Howard J. Langer, World War II: An Encyclopedia of Quotations (1999), nos. 438, 439

External links

• Encyclopedic article on Lesley J. McNair on Wikipedia