The Rise of the G.I. Army, 1940-1941: The Forgotten Story of How America Forged a Powerful Army Before Pearl Harbor

"Reading about the birth of the country's citizen Army before World War II is a profoundly heartening experience. With all they are facing today, Americans need Dickson's reminder of this momentous accomplishment."-New York Times Book Review

"In The Rise of the G.I. Army, 1940-1941, veteran author Paul Dickson resurrects a critical but overlooked period, recounting the remarkable story of American mobilization during the 828 days between the war's onset and the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor . . . The best history is character-driven, and in this Mr. Dickson excels. He follows the fortunes of emerging Army stars such as Bradley, George S. Patton, Mark Clark and Eisenhower himself with verve and compassion . . . An indispensable account."-Wall Street Journal

"A must-read book that explores a vital pre-war effort ignored by many Roosevelt-era historians . . . Deep research and gripping writing."-Washington Times

"It now seems inevitable that the U.S. would win World War II, but in 1939, this was far from likely. Only the decisive action by statesmen such as George Marshall enabled the Army to awaken from its interwar hibernation and begin the long road to becoming the mightiest Army in American history. This book tells this amazing and improbable journey with all the near disasters, hard choices, and missteps that had to be overcome to get the military prepared for that fateful Sunday morning in December 1941."-New York Journal of Books

"Exhaustively thorough . . . Dickson, an indefatigable researcher, again demonstrates his talent for marshaling ground-level details and contemporary newspaper accounts into a coherent and engaging story . . . A remarkable work of historical scholarship, an eminently readable narrative crafted from a swarm of disparate and far-flung sources. The author plunges boldly into a saga that few other experts have explored in detail . . . A brilliant history. In the sad and dispiriting times we're living through today, it shines a light on a saga that's largely uplifting yet still shot through with elements counter to our ideals. It's a long story we all need to see as our own, as characteristic of our nation today as ever."-Bob Duffy, Washington Independent Review of Books

"Americans can accomplish amazing things when roused to action by strong leadership. Paul Dickson gives ample evidence of that in his fascinating new book The Rise of the G.I. Army, 1940-1941."-American Heritage

"The book is enjoyable and informative reading, filled with revealing anecdotes, oversized personalities and often pointed analysis. Dickson moves his narrative forward by deftly interweaving historical events with personal experiences. The book makes a significant contribution in showing just how near America came to dismantling its forces, and how important a few individuals, notably Marshall, were in preventing this calamity . . . The narrative is fast-paced, the personalities and events clearly detailed, the role of politicians, the press and public opinion all well developed."-Army Magazine

"Covers the buildup to conscription, the Louisiana Maneuvers, and even the nascent U.S. Army's trial by fire in North Africa in one expansive, thoroughly researched, and compelling volume."-Military.com

"A richly detailed history of the rebuilding of American military power in the run-up to World War II . . . The author provides a wealth of fascinating detail; even those familiar with the general history of the period will learn something new . . . One of the best treatments to date of America's rapid transition from the Depression to the wartime power it became."-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Dickson marches readers through his voluminous research at a brisk clip, and makes a convincing case that