Are These Five Famous Military Commanders Actually Overhyped?

Most prominent military figures often spark debate, attracting both admirers and critics. As historical research advances, perspectives on famous military leaders can change. On the other hand, discredited figures like Civil War general Fitz John Porter may undergo reputation rehabilitation.

This article presents five military leaders whose historical acclaim may not align with their actual achievements.

William F. Halsey

Admiral William "Bull" Halsey was a true American naval legend of WWII , and one of only four individuals to have reached the rank of Fleet Admiral of the United States Navy. He was exactly the man the United States needed to inspire them after the demoralizing first few months of the Pacific War , and he was critical to the success of the Guadalcanal Campaign .

Halsey was a man of action and took a particular liking to killing Japanese soldiers. However, his confidence and boldness ended up getting him into trouble on a few occasions. At the Battle of Leyte Gulf Halsey, wanting to annihilate the Japanese, chased down a group of carriers they'd had used as bait. Although the Americans won the battle, they suffered high casualties.

Later, he ignored warnings about an approaching tornado , which sank a number of ships and killing hundreds of US servicemen.

Erwin Rommel

Erwin Rommel is one of a small number of WWII German generals to receive praise for his conduct both on the battlefield and off. He served in WWI and WWII, and was injured in both conflicts. Rommel is perhaps most famous for his clashes in North Africa against the British, earning him the name "The Desert Fox." He is consistently ranked as one of the greatest military commanders of the war, but in recent years opinions have changed regarding the German field marshal.

While he was undoubtedly a fantastic battlefield tactician, Rommel had a tendency to ignore strategic problems, resulting in his troops outrunning supply chains and ultimately costing them a victory. However, both the Allies and Axis powers majorly boosted his reputation. He quickly became a national icon in Germany, as he was publicly charismatic, charming and patriotic. The Allies were also unreserved in their respect for Rommel, although it is debated whether this was genuine respect or to cover up their own failings.

Today, Rommel is a well-known figure. But he is also one of the hardest to fully understand.

Robert E. Lee

Arguably the most famous general of the American Civil War , General Robert E. Lee led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia from 1862 until 1865. During this time, he was involved in some of the most significant and influential battles of the war, including Gettysburg , Chancellorsville , and Spotsylvania Court House. There is no denying Lee was an incredible general, but today many believe he has rated too highly .

Lee was aggressive in battle, which often resulted in fantastic victories. However, these methods could be extremely costly in life. Actions like Pickett's Charge have resulted in Lee being accused of "wasting life," especially at a time when the South was already outnumbered. This is also true of the Battle of Antietam , where 23,000 men were killed or wounded on what's since been dubbed the "single bloodiest day" of the conflict.

Many Confederate figures have now been placed under increased scrutiny due to their racial views and actions during the Civil War, resulting in monuments dedicated to them being removed from public. This is especially true of those depicting Lee, with the most notable removals occurring in Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia .

George Washington

George Washington proved ato be a skilled politician, yet his prowess as a tactician was not always as notable. Revered as a Founding Father and the first President of the United States , Washington has attained a near-legendary status in American history. However, in military engagements, he sometimes fell short of expectations for a figure of such historical magnitude.

At times, Washington committed notable blunders or found himself strategically outmatched, largely due to his lack of prior experience leading a large military force before assuming command of the Continental Army. Despite his shortcomings as a battlefield tactician, exemplified by setbacks such as the New York Campaign, he excelled in boosting troop morale, fostering unity among armies and foreign allies, and notably implementing a mass smallpox inoculation program was largely successful.

These attributes underscored his true strengths and largely contributed to the foundation of the nation we recognize today.

George S. Patton

No list of controversial or overrated military commanders is complete without "Old Blood and Guts." George Patton came from a family with strong military traditions and at a young age became fascinated with warfare and the tactics involved. In battle, he was a hard-driving commander who led from the front and was well-liked by his troops. He is known for his aggressive, fast-paced maneuvers that utilized shock-and-awe to get results, and even used his own money to purchase supplies for his soldiers.

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Although he is often said to be one of the best generals of WWII, having successfully led his troops across North Africa to Italy and Europe - most notably in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge and during his push into Germany - Patton was not particularly well-regarded by the Germans or even his superiors.

His strong opinions, the infamous "slapping incident(s)" and the incredibly controversial Task Force Baum have made Patton a controversial figure in many ways.