Elite

To be a successful commander requires experience, character, tenacity and boldness: the ability to establish a good rapport with both your staff and your men is also vital.

The key US commanders of World War II were subject to (and often gratuitously fostered) the projection of their ''characters'', exploiting the growing power of the media. The real test comes in combat though, where a large proportion of luck is involved - the luck to be in the right place at the right time - and lasting reputations can be formed in a very brief and frenetic period.

This title examines the careers, personalities and fortunes of the key US Army and Air Force commanders of World War II.