June 6, 1944 — D-Day — soldiers from the United States, Canada, England, France, and other allied nations stormed ashore at Normandy Beach. The initial landings were led by Captains, Majors, and Colonels; and, one lone General accompanied those first troops. He did so because he believed that a leader leads from the front and he was determined to do so.
Initially, this General’s requests to lead the initial landings were declined. The reasons, no doubt, ranged from the fact that he was not a healthy man; to his age (he was nearly 57 years old); and, to his family lineage. But, he persevered, requesting the opportunity to lead his troops ashore in the first wave not once; not twice; but, three times. Finally, on the third request, his request was reluctantly approved. His commanding officer did not expect him to survive the landing! When asked why he was determined to land in the first wave, the General stated that it would be good for morale, adding, “They’ll figure that if a general is going in, it can’t be that rough.”
Despite the fact that he limped as a result of crippling wounds suffered in World War I and required the aid of a walking stick; despite the fact that he suffered from a serious heart condition that would end his life a mere 5 weeks after the D-Day landings, Brigadier General Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, Jr. led his 4th Infantry Division ashore at Utah Beach, encouraging them to fight and to fight hard to secure the beachhead. When he learned that the troops had been landed 2 kilometers away from their intended landing zone, General Roosevelt stated firmly, “We’ll start the war from right here!” General Omar Bradley described Roosevelt’s actions on June 6, 1944 as the “single greatest act of courage” he witnessed in the entire war. General Roosevelt was a Great Leader. He did not tell others to “go there … do that”. He said “follow me” and lead by example.
As we begin the month of May and look ahead to the Memorial Day Weekend when we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of liberty, let us look at those who led from the front … the mark of truly Great Leaders. Click “Comment” and tell us who you believe were the greatest leaders of the “the greatest generation”.
Tom Hoisington is a speaker, trainer, and author whose goal is to provide leaders and potential leaders with tools that empower them to build teams that are creative and cost effective along with a clearer understanding of how personality types interact within those teams. He can be contacted at tom.hoisington@eagleoneresources.com