Commanding Professionalism

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When considering influential World War II military figures, five-star generals like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Omar Bradley often come to mind. However, the conflict also produced effective lower-profile leaders whose impact was significant. Among them are William Simpson, commander of the US Ninth Army, and his chief of staff, James Moore. Together, they led a unit recognized for its "uncommonly normal" professionalism. Their unobtrusive leadership style has often relegated them to the footnotes of military history. This examination of Simpson, Moore, and the Ninth US Army aims to correct this oversight by highlighting their achievements from 1940 through the end of World War II. Author William Stuart Nance recounts their working relationship, showcasing how they navigated the complexities of American and British forces while developing an army admired for its consistency and military prowess. Their ability to resist external and political pressures was crucial to the war effort. Simpson and Moore's unwavering commitment to the greater good and their adept management of command/staff dynamics were essential to the war's success. Nance argues that their example remains aspirational and worthy of emulation within today’s military command structure.