General Creighton Abrams

**Shek** · 07 Jan 08,, 20:28

Has anyone read Lewis Sorely's books on GEN Abrams? I'm curious as to a more holistic look at GEN Abrams than the discrete looks that I've seen to date.

The more that I read up on Vietnam, the more I am impressed by the man who embarked on the "one war" strategy and nearly pulled off a success for the United States. Additionally, he oversaw the creation of the modern 75th Ranger Regiment, the All Volunteer Force, and the Total Force Concept (while the last two weren't his genesis, he was part of the process of bringing the concepts to fruition).

**zraver** · 07 Jan 08,, 20:50

Originally Posted by Shek

Has anyone read Lewis Sorely's books on GEN Abrams? I'm curious as to a more holistic look at GEN Abrams than the discrete looks that I've seen to date.

The more that I read up on Vietnam, the more I am impressed by the man who embarked on the "one war" strategy and nearly pulled off a success for the United States. Additionally, he oversaw the creation of the modern 75th Ranger Regiment, the All Volunteer Force, and the Total Force Concept (while the last two weren't his genesis, he was part of the process of bringing the concepts to fruition).

If thats the book- "Thunderbolt", I used to have it and sorely miss it. Besides the things you mentioned he also helped formulate the modern tank gunnery tables, approved the use of Chobham armor, and the entire army looked to him to decide which way to jump if Nixon had tried to use the military to maintain power.

**Shek** · 07 Jan 08,, 20:53

Originally Posted by zraver

If thats the book- "Thunderbolt", I used to have it and sorely miss it.

No pun intended??

)

**zraver** · 07 Jan 08,, 21:25

do'h, it really wasn't.

**Albany Rifles** · 08 Jan 08,, 16:29

Excellent book. It is on the middle shelf of my far left bookcase in my home office

I want to look at it this evening but I believe there is one other point I want to bring out about Abrams but I want to check it first.

**TopHatter** · 08 Jan 08,, 18:17

Originally Posted by zraver

If thats the book- "Thunderbolt", I used to have it and sorely miss it. Besides the things you mentioned he also helped formulate the modern tank gunnery tables, approved the use of Chobham armor, and the entire army looked to him to decide which way to jump if Nixon had tried to use the military to maintain power.

Alibris.com here I come

**zraver** · 09 Jan 08,, 04:28

Originally Posted by Albany Rifles

Excellent book. It is on the middle shelf of my far left bookcase in my home office

I want to look at it this evening but I believe there is one other point I want to bring out about Abrams but I want to check it first.

IIRC according to the book, his men think he may have been the leading American tank ace of the war.

**clackers** · 14 Jan 08,, 13:29

A remarkable man, Shek ... but his main task in Vietnam after Westmoreland was sacked was to make the ARVN able to defend themselves from the NVA and it was just too difficult a project ...