Taking Command: America's Unsung Military Leaders, Innovators, and Difference Makers Since World War II -- Thomas D. Phillips, Hardcover

Beyond the pantheon of Patton, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Nimitz lies an untold story of military genius -- the innovative commanders who stepped from their shadows to shape modern warfare from the Cold War to the War on Terror.

From the general who made the impossible Berlin Airlift succeed to the mastermind behind the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, Taking Command unveils the remarkable stories of twenty-four unsung military leaders who transformed America's fighting forces. These commanders didn't just execute orders-- they revolutionized warfare through innovation, unconventional thinking, and sheer determination.

Through portraits of these exceptional leaders, readers will discover:

• How "Tonnage Tunner" moved 1.8 million tons of supplies during the Berlin Airlift
• The Marine general whose controversial Vietnam tactics cost him his career but proved prescient
• How Admiral McRaven's leadership principles extend far beyond his famous "make your bed" speech
• The untold story behind the "Be All You Can Be" commander who later led the Panama invasion

Written by retired Air Force veteran Thomas Phillips, this compelling narrative serves both as a vital missing chapter in American military history and a masterclass in leadership under pressure. For anyone fascinated by military strategy or seeking to understand the qualities of exceptional leadership, Taking Command offers unprecedented access to the minds of America's most innovative military commanders.

Author: Thomas D. Phillips
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Published: 09/02/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.37lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.34w x 1.18d
ISBN: 9780811777278

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 05/30/2025 pg. 1

About the Author

Thomas Phillips served in the U.S. Air Force for thirty-six years. Among other postings, he directed the Military Readiness Center during Operation Desert Storm and led some of the first American troops into Sarajevo. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.