General Lesley McNair - Unsung Architect of the US Army and his death in Operation Cobra

General Lesley McNair - Unsung Architect of the US Army and his death in Operation Cobra
The first of three specials about Operation Cobra
George C. Marshall once called him "the brains of the army," and yet General Lesley McNair, a man so instrumental to America's military preparedness and Army modernization, remains little known today, his papers purportedly lost, destroyed by his wife in her grief at his death in Normandy. In today's show Mark Calhoun will look at McNair;s career up to his death at the beginning of Operation Cobra.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mark T. Calhoun served as a US Army aviator and war planner for twenty years. After retirement, he earned his PhD in History from the University of Kansas, and began working as an associate professor of history at the US Army School of Advanced Military Studies, where he still works, teaching military history and advanced military operational art and science.
General Lesley J. McNair: Unsung Architect of the U. S. Army by Mark Calhoun
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[@militarymarch3006]

His belief in streamlined Tables of Organization (to include the triangular division) and fighting against "empire building" by unit commanders is also spot on; the U.S. Army still hasn't learned THAT lesson!

[@jephrokimbo9050]

so glad that I am NOT the only one who has continued to say this especially after 27.5+ years of service.

[@alancranford3398]

When McNair was first touting the towed anti-tank gun, the bazooka wasn't around, and the recoilless rifle was still a futuristic weapon. There were even guided anti-tank missiles being tried out at the end of the war. Don't underestimate how radically war changed between 1939 and 1945. The FAC (Forward Air Controller) rode in tanks--jeeps were no protection--that was a Pete Quesada innovation, putting aircraft band radios in a lead tank with an experienced pilot to call in close air support. Back in 1939 the US Army Air Corps (the USAAF didn't exist yet) was in the "hell no, we won't go" on close air support. By 1944, success in a shooting war required combined arms and using aviation in close air support. The bazooka was a short-range weapon of limited effectiveness, but even though "can't kill a Tiger" was what the American infantry thought of their anti-tank rocket launcher, German tankers were "they're gonna kill us with their rocket guns!" At the end of the war a rocket from the bazooka was a better tank killer than the 37mm anti-tank gun shell--not a perfect killer, but when there were enough bazookas all firing at the few German tanks, it was enough to ruin a German counterattack. Anti-tank weapons of all sorts were far more useful against German bunkers and weapon emplacements--mainly because the Americans were on the offensive. Using lightly armored tank destroyers as assault guns or instead of tanks happened because tank destroyers were available in quantity. Sometimes tanks and tank destroyers were used as self-propelled artillery. Bazookas were frequently used in city fighting to route German snipers or to destroy the ever-present German machine gun bunkers because the bazooka was attached at platoon and squad level and despite the SCR-536 at platoon level, the bazooka was able to respond faster to the bunker barring progress than calling back for a tank or an air strike or a bunch of artillery. Besides, in 1939 the 37mm gun was regarded as adequate for anti-tank work even though there were tanks that 37mm shells bounced off--but the 75mm and bigger guns in the anti-tank role were more than a crew of six could manhandle into position and the 37mm could use a jeep (quarter-ton truck) as a prime mover, but the bigger guns might need a 2-1/2-ton truck for mobility and for carrying enough anti-tank shells. Battlefield evolution rendered concepts that were valid at war's beginning counterproductive at the end of the war. Evaluate the Big Picture when looking at the tank destroyer command. One weapon system slated for the tank destroyer command was the M8 armored car with its "powerful" 37mm cannon--by the time it was on the front in large numbers, the 37mm gun was all but useless against tanks--still quite capable of taking out enemy halftracks and armored cars and emplaced anti-tank guns within the 37mm gun's range (500 yards, possibly 1000 yards if the target could be located visually at that distance). archive.org/details/Infantry_Weapons_and_Thier_Effects

[@militarymarch3006]

As an armor officer (ret), I'll express the opinion that artillery officers are some of the brightest, brilliant innovators in the Army.

[@jephrokimbo9050]

Thank You Sir! Was an Artillery Officer myself who served 27.5+ years of service in the Active Duty component, the Reserves and finished out in the Army National Guard. Had the privilege and Honor of working with infantry, armor, aviation, air defense, engineer and military police units.

[@theshaggyhistorian845]

Spot on comment, @WW2TV. McNair wasn't out cheerleading for a particular branch, materiel solution, or method, but was concerned with solid analysis to make the best decisions possible.

[@danielhammersley2869]

Superb comeback after 2-weeks, Woody! LTC Calhoun is a gem, and a must return guest of the highest caliber!

[@reiniergroeneveld7801]

Very interesting discussion on McNair. Certainly deserves a follow up show!

[@dave3156]

Excellent program to re-start WW2TV! Very impressed with Gen McNair. If he designed our mobilization plans, he did a helluva job! Fighting in two theaters with dramatically different equipment requirements speaks to the plan he developed. Would really like to have LTC Calhoun on again regarding armor development since Dad was a WWII tanker. Thanks to LTC Calhoun for a great presentation. Paul great job on lining him up for the channel!!!!

[@patm8622]

Yet again #WW2TV hits the spot. Great show highlighting the career and accomplishments of a man few will have heard of. General McNair strikes me as someone who is seriously underrated in a similar way to General Hobart of " Hobart's funnies " fame. #WW2

[@davidlavigne207]

I am a bit behind the schedule, but this was a great introduction into the life of a true soldier and an unappreciated officer. I liked the fact that Mark brings out how this man quietly did the work in researching and documenting the facts of how he came to his conclusions and opinions. One thing I noticed was that he also didn't back down from views that were controversial at the time. His was an example of what is called moral courage-an important trait for a leader to have. The fact that General Marshall thought well of him speaks for itself, as he was not one to suffer fools well. Outstanding program!

[@1089maul]

Paul/Mark, As I said in the side bar, fantastic presentation! I had never heard of General McNair but feel now that I almost know him. Very interesting subject! Regards, Bob

[@WW2TV]

Many thanks!

[@scottgrimwood8868]

What an amazing way to restart WW2TV after a two week break! LTC Calhoun gave an incredible presentation on General Leslie McNair. I learned so much today about a man that gave so much to the US Army and his country.

[@alandean3472]

Great to have WW2TV back and a very interesting and detailed episode !

[@staxmarshall]

I found it interesting at 41:00 when Mark described the effect of an artillery technique the Americans began to utilize in North Africa that he referred to as "mass adjustable fire", which made the Germans think they had been subjected to "automatic artillery". Right now, I am nearing the end of having read back to back, "Fire and Fortitude" and "Island Infernos", the first two volumes from the unfinished trilogy by John C. McManus on the U.S. Army in the Pacific. I can't place where, but I think I recall an instance mentioned of the Japanese thinking the Americans had used "automatic artillery" against them due to the specialized concentration of fire.

[@bobleicht5295]

Have just finished the Bougainville campaign in ‘Island Infernos’ and saw the same remark by a POW. The amount of FA, mortar, air, and naval ordnance delivered by US forces is almost impossible to believe.

[@staxmarshall]

@@bobleicht5295 Yes, that helped me find it. Chapter 3 "Consolidation". Page 116 in my copy of the book. "..The artillery was so suffocating that some Japanese soldiers ascribed to it almost mythical qualities. One captured diary revealed the belief on the part of its author - common among Axis soldiers in all theaters - that the Americans possessed automatic artillery.."

[@guypenrose5477]

Another great program and what a great guest. Really enjoyed this.

[@georgecooksey8216]

Excellent discussion. Thanks to Paul and to Lt. Col. Calhoun for his service and this fine presentation.

[@jimwatts5192]

Howdy folks. Dr Calhoun’s outstanding lecture on Gen McNair is one of the best shows ever on WW2TV. Incredible info and insights in to an unsung hero known for his untimely death. McNair needs more study. The 9th USAAF and the 2nd Tac need more love.

[@stevej8005]

Fascinating show about McNair, a great presentation as I knew so little about him. The extra discussions and sidebar comments about the use (or ill-advised misuse) of heavy bombers for close air support were a real bonus.

[@Chiller01]

Great presentation. I was surprised actually at the small number of friendly fire casualties during the bombardment as well. I’ve heard McNair’s name related to tank development but his career is extraordinarily broad.

[@amnucc]

Darn having to go back to the office, I'm missing the live shows. I'd heard of McNair, but never knew he had such an outsized impact on the US Army war effort. I hate missing the chance to ask questions and chat with friends.

[@Bob_Betker]

Just had a chance to watch the video, I found it extremely interesting. I definitely would like to see a video discussing McNair's time as CG, Army Ground Forces.

[@stephencook41]

Just caught up with this Woody and was superb! Really impressive stuff this. Learnt so, so much.

[@woodylee9780]

Great show guys! I learned so much about McNair in this presentation.

[@WW2TV]

Our pleasure!

[@jimwatts914]

Howdy folks! Impressive presentation on an often neglected US general. This is the type of show that has made the legend of WW2TV. Great work Colonel and Woody too.

[@KevinJones-yh2jb]

Wow what an in-depth presentation from Mark, such an eye opener for me someone I had never heard of, top notch thanks Paul and Mark

[@jeremyphillips6373]

Excellent presentation. This challenged my preconceived opinion of General McNair.

[@boofather]

Excellent thanks

[@michaeldepaul7676]

Very interesting presentation. Thank you.

[@TheVigilant109]

Wonderful presentation. Thank you. I learned a lot with this presentation. Look forward to hearing more from Mark.

[@eatenvik]

Great episode, allot of gems on this youtube channel

[@bobleicht5295]

‘SAMS’ is the US Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, an intensive year of study after an officer’s tour at the Command and Staff College. As LTC Calhoun noted, he and his classmates would be utilized as operational planners on high level staffs upon graduation. The USAF has created a similar program for its Airmen.

[@philbosworth3789]

A great presentation form Mark. I never knew McNair was involved with so many sectors of the military; I thought he was just the TD & Armour guy. Another presentation from Mark covering McNair's in that side of things would be great.

[@815thengineers8]

Has to exact location of LTG McNair's death ever been determined. I have searched for years and it has been a wild goose chase. Thanks

[@WW2TV]

Exact is the sense of within a few hundred yards, but not precise - no

[@tommietyrrell8143]

Where is the location of mcnairs death?

[@815thengineers8]

Thanks. I found a location alleged to be the site...it's on the D77 at a large farm just south of the D446E3. @@WW2TV

[@morganhale3434]

Another great topic and show. Bravo!!! I read about the development of US Army doctrine between the wars and the familiar names show up. Gen McNair sounds familiar to me but nothing really special comes to mind. I was just fascinated by the whole topic considering the constraints on the US military that only the British Commonwealth and Imperial Japan could truly understand. Only the Battle of Britain was a defensive action for Britain. Every other campaign was an expeditionary force or an offensive action by sea.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

Would wish to know more about his personality. Brilliant and recognized but enigmatic as a person. Thank you so much I always wanted to know more about him

[@davidk7324]

Kudos to all, this was a fantastic show. I learned a great deal.

[@usg-647]

Thank you, Col. Calhoun - great research, presentation & great discussion! Amidst the war hero types and front line commanders, the U.S. military had so many unsung leaders in logistics, training, procurement, converting the U.S. into a world power in the space of a few years. George Marshall, Gen. McNair, also William Leahy.

[@lisajuliettekatnic9149]

Incredible to learn the archivist felt the map w McNair’s blood stains was an enormous treasure to discover!

[@thomasharrison4554]

Like the “GREEN “Book collection of the U.S. Army in WWII on his bookshelf behind him.

[@gmdyt1]

The logistics situation in the West of Normandy was worse than around Caen for the Germans. It is an underrated part of the story of the German collapse after Cobra.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

I suspect “dehorning” a rhino tank not all that easy and I don’t see the “horns” as a huge impediment and some could come in handy in other situations, so logical to leave them be and use repair facilities in a more useful immediate way. Always informative and fascinating. As usual a fine presentation stimulates thought. Thank you

[@michaelmulligan0]

I had only heard his named mentioned a couple of times (I think by “The Chieftain”) but wow! The type of officer all should aspire to be

[@kegan51]

This is excellent, more Thomas Hollcombe, Ellis, Simpson, Hodges, Dempsey and O'Conner. A longshot Maj General Hoffmeister who went from Maj. to Maj. General led 5th. CAD.

[@ME-xh7zp]

Someone probably posted already; but McNair report was frequently referenced at ACTS

[@johnspurrell1200]

Was there ever any opportunity for interservice exchange of information? I wonder what might have developed had a Navy gunnery expert like Lee, been able to spend a week or two with Army Artillery, exchange some observations that might and probably will result in new or different tactics, technques and exercises that probably b

[@johnspurrell1200]

Could Help both services.?

[@genericpersonx333]

The answer is yes that the services did and indeed still do regularly pass people back and forth for exchange of views on subjects, but the influence is limited to exchanging information that may or may not be used by the other service's own people. The Army wouldn't hire someone like Lee to "educate the Army on how to do Artillery," but someone like Lee could offer his thoughts to Army people, then Army people might use those thoughts to develop their own ideas and later use those ideas for the Army. Thus, the Navy man is only offering information, food for thought, to the Army, but it is the Army guys themselves who create new doctrines or ideas on their own.

[@paulcalhoun6339]

What a great last name!

[@alancranford3398]

Ken Annakin's "Battle of the Bulge" had one character say "I have a bad feeling about his" long before Star Wars. George Lucas is still a Ken Annakin fan--that's where Annakin Skywalker's first name originated.

[@michaelmulligan0]

Rhino is that the hedge cutter on the front of the tanks?

[@WW2TV]

Yes it is

[@michaelmulligan0]

Reference reports by non biased people Militaries still to this day suffer this problem