Births on February 12

Omar Bradley, American general (d. 1981)

Omar Nelson Bradley: A Distinguished Military Career from West Point to Five-Star General

Omar Nelson Bradley, born on February 12, 1893, and passing on April 8, 1981, stands as one of the most prominent senior officers in United States Army history. His illustrious career spanned both during and after World War II, culminating in his promotion to the highly esteemed rank of General of the Army. Bradley also made history as the very first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, playing a pivotal role in shaping U.S. military policy during the crucial early stages of the Korean War.

Early Life, Education, and Interwar Service

Bradley's journey began in Randolph County, Missouri, a humble start that saw him working as a boilermaker before pursuing a military career. His ambition led him to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1915. This particular graduating class earned the legendary moniker, "the class the stars fell on," a testament to the extraordinary number of future generals it produced. Among his distinguished classmates was none other than Dwight D. Eisenhower, alongside other luminaries such as James Van Fleet and Joseph "Lightning Joe" Collins, who would all go on to achieve general officer rank.

During World War I, Bradley's service primarily involved domestic duties, including guarding vital copper mines in Montana. While not a combat role, this experience highlighted the strategic importance of national resources to the war effort. Following the Great War, he dedicated himself to teaching at West Point, contributing to the development of future officers. His career progressed through various assignments before he secured a significant position at the War Department, serving under the visionary leadership of General George C. Marshall. This period provided Bradley with invaluable insights into strategic planning and military administration. By 1941, on the cusp of America's entry into World War II, Bradley was appointed commander of the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, a critical role in standardizing and improving infantry training doctrines for the impending global conflict.

World War II: From North Africa to the Largest American Army Group

With the United States fully engaged in World War II, Bradley's leadership capabilities quickly came to the forefront. He was instrumental in overseeing the transformative process of the 82nd Infantry Division, converting it into the very first American airborne division. This pioneering effort laid the groundwork for future paratrooper operations and the elite units that would follow, with the 82nd later earning fame as the "All-American" division.

Bradley received his inaugural front-line combat command during Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942. Initially serving under the charismatic and often controversial General George S. Patton, Bradley's methodical and soldier-centric approach complemented Patton's aggressive style. After Patton's reassignment, Bradley assumed command of II Corps, leading his troops through the challenging Tunisia Campaign, which concluded with the decisive defeat of Axis forces in North Africa, and subsequently, the Allied invasion of Sicily in the summer of 1943. These campaigns honed his skills as a combat commander and earned him recognition for his calm demeanor under pressure.

His leadership continued to escalate in significance, as he was tasked with commanding the First United States Army during the historic Invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Bradley's strategic brilliance and careful planning were crucial to the initial success of the Allied landings and the establishment of the beachhead. Following the monumental breakout from Normandy, spearheaded by forces under his command, Bradley took charge of the Twelfth United States Army Group. This formation eventually grew to an unprecedented forty-three divisions and commanded 1.3 million men, marking it as the largest body of American soldiers ever to serve under a single field commander in U.S. history. His leadership of this vast force saw pivotal actions including the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the final push into Germany, earning him the affectionate title of "the GI's General" for his genuine concern for his troops' welfare.

Post-War Leadership and Enduring Legacy

After the Allied victory in World War II, Bradley continued his dedicated service to the nation. He was appointed to head the Veterans Administration, a critical role in the immediate post-war period. Under his guidance, the VA managed the enormous task of providing healthcare, benefits, and support to millions of returning servicemen and women, playing a key part in the implementation of the transformative GI Bill.

His ascent continued within the military hierarchy. In 1948, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the United States Army, the highest-ranking officer in the Army. A year later, in 1949, Bradley made history once more by becoming the first Chairman of the newly established Joint Chiefs of Staff. This position, created by the National Security Act of 1947 and its 1949 amendments, placed him at the apex of the U.S. military command structure, advising the President and the Secretary of Defense on all matters of national security.

In 1950, Omar Bradley received his ultimate promotion to the rank of General of the Army. This five-star rank is exceedingly rare, reserved only for a select few who have rendered extraordinary service, primarily during major conflicts. Bradley was the ninth and final individual to be promoted to this prestigious five-star rank in the United States Armed Forces, joining an exclusive group that included George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Henry "Hap" Arnold from World War II. As the senior military commander at the outset of the Korean War, Bradley played a crucial role in advising President Harry S. Truman, firmly supporting the administration's policy of containment against communist expansion.

A defining moment of his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff came in 1951, when he was instrumental in persuading President Truman to dismiss General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur's public insubordination and resistance to the administration's strategic objectives of limiting the Korean War, particularly his desire to expand the conflict into China, created a serious constitutional crisis regarding civil-military relations. Bradley famously articulated the administration's view that expanding the conflict in Asia would be "the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong enemy."

Bradley officially left active duty in 1953, though like all five-star generals, he remained technically on "active retirement" for the remainder of his life, a unique status that meant he continued to receive full pay and benefits without a specific assignment. In the subsequent 27 years until his death in 1981 at the age of 88, he continued to contribute through various public and business roles, including serving as Chairman of the Board for the Bulova Watch Company, further cementing his legacy as a leader who served his nation with distinction both in uniform and in civilian life.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Omar N. Bradley

What was Omar Bradley's highest military rank?

Omar Nelson Bradley achieved the rank of General of the Army, a five-star rank. He was the ninth and final person in U.S. history to be promoted to this distinguished rank in 1950.

Why was Omar Bradley known as "the GI's General"?

Bradley earned the nickname "the GI's General" due to his compassionate leadership style and his genuine concern for the welfare and morale of the common soldier (GIs) under his command. He was known for visiting front-line troops and ensuring their needs were met.

What was Bradley's primary role during the Korean War?

During the Korean War, Omar Bradley served as the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, he was the senior military advisor to President Harry S. Truman and played a critical role in shaping U.S. military policy, particularly in advocating for a limited war strategy based on containment and supporting Truman's decision to dismiss General Douglas MacArthur.

What was "the class the stars fell on" at West Point?

"The class the stars fell on" refers to the United States Military Academy's graduating class of 1915. This class was remarkable for producing an extraordinarily high number of future general officers, including Omar Bradley, Dwight D. Eisenhower, James Van Fleet, and Joseph "Lightning Joe" Collins, among others, hence the poetic description.

How many five-star generals were there in the U.S. Armed Forces?

In total, nine individuals have held the five-star rank in the United States Armed Forces across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Omar Bradley was the last to achieve this rank. The other eight were George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Henry "Hap" Arnold (Army Air Forces/Air Force), William D. Leahy, Ernest J. King, Chester W. Nimitz (Navy), and William F. Halsey Jr. (Navy).