Jim Gavin’s War – Part 1
Author and historian Carlo D’Este looks back on the importance of the role Jim Gavin and his paratroopers of the 505th PIR played in securing Sicily during the early days of Operation Husky.
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Articles by Carlo D'Este
A Reminiscence of General James M. Gavin
Author and historian Carlo D’Este reflects on the time he spent with Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin.
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Some Reflections
As he looks back on another year gone by, author and historian Carlo D’Este reflects on his personal experiences with some of World War II’s key players.
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Churchill’s Leadership in World War I – Part III: The Employment of the First Tanks
In Part three, author and historian Carlo D’Este’s analyzes Winston Churchill’s role in getting the first tanks employed on World War I’s battlefields.
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Churchill’s Leadership in World War I – Part II: “Churchill’s Folly”
In Part two author and historian Carlo D’Este’s analyzes Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War I and his role in the development of the tank.
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Churchill’s Leadership in World War I
Author and historian Carlo D’Este analyzes Winston Churchill’s leadership and the lessons he learned during World War I.
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The Bonfire of War
Author and historian Carlo D’Este reflects on the impact the “Great War” had on the world during the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of World War I.
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A Casualty of War
Author and historian Carlo D’Este recalls a humbling trip to the American Military Cemetery in Cambridge, England.
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The Awful Waste and Destruction of War
Historian Carlo D’Este reflects on what war correspondent Ernie Pyle described as “the awful waste and destruction of war.”
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Memorial Day, 2014
Once again we reach that moment each year when we stop, however briefly, to honor the men and women who have given their lives in the service of this nation in the more than two hundred years of our history.
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Bill Mauldin and Patton
Author and historian Carlo D’Este recounts an epic encounter between famed cartoonist Bill Mauldin and the iconic Gen. George S. Patton Jr.
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Armchair General and the Colby Symposium in 2014
Armchair General will again support the 19th annual William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium, to be held at Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont on 9-10 April 2014.
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John S.D. Eisenhower Part II
John Eisenhower’s life was a record of great accomplishment … As Pres. Obama noted of his passing: “He grew up the son of an American hero, but emerged a great American in his own right …”
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John S.D. Eisenhower
On December 21, 2013 we lost a great American, and an acclaimed writer and historian. John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower, who passed away at the age of 91, was a soldier, a diplomat, and a man of great talent and kindness who never traded on his name or his father’s famous reputation.
Read MoreA Season To Give Thanks
Author and historian Carlo D’Este ponders his own good fortune as he reflects on the struggles of the homeless.
Read MoreA Polish Reunion In Normandy Conclusion
This is the conclusion of author and historian Carlo D’Este’s recollection of an unforgettable trip to visit members of the Polish 1st Armored Division celebrating their 40th reunion in Normandy in 1984.
Read MoreA Polish Reunion in Normandy, Part III
This is Part III of author and historian Carlo D’Este’s recollection of an unforgettable trip to visit members of the Polish 1st Armored Division celebrating their 40th reunion in Normandy in 1984.
Read MoreA Polish Reunion in Normandy, Part II
This is Part II of author and historian Carlo D’Este’s recollection of an unforgettable trip to visit members of the Polish 1st Armored Division celebrating their 40th reunion in Normandy in 1984.
Read MoreA Polish Reunion in Normandy
Author and historian Carlo D’Este recalls an unforgettable trip to visit members of the Polish 1st Armored Division celebrating their 40th reunion in Normandy in 1984.
Read MoreThe Myth of Ike and Kay Summersby Part IV – Conclusion
Author and historian Carlo D’Este offers the conclusion to his examination of the relationship between Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s and his World War II chauffeur, Kay Summersby.
Read MoreThe Myth of Ike and Kay Summersby, Part III
Author and historian Carlo D’Este offers part III of his examination of the relationship between Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s and his World War II chauffeur, Kay Summersby.
Read MoreArmchair General and the Colby Symposium in 2013
Author and historian Carlo D’Este gears up for the upcoming 18th annual William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium, to be held at Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont on April 10-11, 2013.
Read MoreThe Myth of Ike and Kay Summersby: Part 1
In the wake of the Gen. David Petraeus and Paula Broadwell scandal, author and historian Carlo D’Este examines Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s relationship with his World War II chauffeur, Kay Summersby.
Read MoreThe Heroes Among Us
This month author and historian Carlo D’Este describes his feelings about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting while highlighting the bravery of some of the victims.
Read MoreAn Award To An Outstanding Historian
Author and historian Carlo D’Este highlights the contributions of Sir Max Hastings — the winner of this year’s Pritzker Military Library Lifetime Achievement Award for Military Writing.
Read MoreThe Endless & Unwinnable War
Author and historian Carlo D’Este offers insight into how Afghanistan has now turned into an endless and unwinnable war that seems destined to encompass future generations of Americans.
Read MoreA Very Different Olympic Games Part 2
Author and Historian Carlo D’Este highlights Gen. George S. Patton’s Jr’s participation in the 1912 Olympics in Sweden and how it was one of the great achievements of his colorful life.
Read MoreA Very Different Olympic Games
Author and Historian Carlo D’Este highlight the differences between the recently concluded, glitzy London Olympic games and those of a century earlier.
Read MoreA Very Special Lady Part 2
Author and historian Carlo D’Este highlights Ruth Ellen Patton Totten’s book The Button Box and talks about how a visit with her remains one of the most exceptional and unforgettable days of his life.
Read MoreA Very Special Lady
Author and Historian Carlo D’Este reflects upon a day spent with Gen. George S. Patton’s daughter, Ruth Ellen Totten.
Read MoreLest We Forget
Author and historian Carlo D’Este reminds us of the significance of Memorial and why we should take a moment to remember the real meaning behind the holiday.
Read MoreA Young Boy’s Unforgettable Experience in World War II
Author and historian Carlo D’Este recalls the day he heard that President Franklin Roosevelt died in April 1945.
Read MoreArmchair General and the Colby Symposium in 2012
Armchair General will again support the 17th annual William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium, to be held at Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont on 11-12 April 2012.
Read MoreMilitary History in Sarasota
Author and historian Carlo D’Este highlights this year’s military history symposiums held on beautiful Lido Key in Sarasota, Florida.
Read MoreWhat would Churchill have done about Afghanistan?
Author and historian Carlo D’Este examines what a difference someone like Winston Churchill might make in dealing with these difficult times.
Read MoreWhat Would Churchill Have Done?
Author and Historian Carlo D’Este examines what a difference someone like Winston Churchill might make in dealing with the current events from these difficult times including his handling of the Iraq War.
Read MoreA New England Town Remembers
Author and historian Carlo D’Este writes about his Veteran’s Day experience in the small New England town of Mashpee, Massachusetts.
Read MoreA Renewal of Faith in Vermont
Author and historian Carlo D’Este highlights the extraordinary efforts of Norwich University students during the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 11: Anzio
Author and Historian Carlo D’Este takes us to Anzio in his 11th installment of the his Journey to World War II battlefields series.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 10: The Tragedy of the Abbey of Monte Cassino
In part 10 of his Journey to World War II Battlefields historian and author Carlo D’Este examines the Tragedy of the Abbey of Monte Cassino.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 9: The Valiant Poles at Cassino
Author and historian Carlo D’Este tours the the town of town of Cassino, Italy in his ninth installment of his Journey to World War II Battlefields.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 8: San Pietro Infine: The Town That Died
Author and historian Carlo D’Este tours the the small town of San Pietro Infine in his eighth installment of his Journey to World War II Battlefields.
Read MoreMemorial Day 2011: The Anguish of an Unpredictable War
Author and historian Carlo D’Este highlights the need to reflect on the real meaning of Memorial Day.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 7: How an Incredible Piece of Luck and American Fighting Spirit Saved the American Beachhead at Salerno
Author and historian Carlo D’Este tours the beachheads of Salerno in his seventh installment of his Journey to World War II Battlefields.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 6: The Great Escape
Author and historian Carlo D’Este visits Messina as the final destination of his World War II battlefield tours.
Read MoreWilliam E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium 2011
Armchair General magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Col. (Ret) Jerry Morelock will be among the presenters at the 16th annual William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium to be held at Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefield Part 5: The Battle for Biazza Ridge
Author and historian Carlo D’Este visits Biazza Ridge in his fifth installment of his World War II battlefield tours.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 4: The Airborne Battles in Sicily
This is part 4 of author Carlo D’Este’s journey to World War II Battlefields. This installment takes us to Sicily.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 3: The Siege of Malta
This is part 3 of author Carlo D’Este’s journey to World War II Battlefields. This installment takes us to Malta.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields Part 2: Kasserine Pass, 2010
This article is part 2 in a special series on World War II battlefields by ACG consulting historian and Advisory Board member, Carlo D’Este.
Read MoreA Journey to World War II Battlefields (Part 1)
Historian and author Carlo D’Este offers his impressions of his recent trip to the Mediterranean where he visited a number of World War II battlefields.
Read MoreA Little Known Tale of War
Author and historian Carlo D’Este examines the largely unnoticed and undocumented Italian Campaign of World War II, as well as the contributions of the Italian Army of both sides of the war.
Read MoreOne Person Can Make A Difference: Greg Mortenson
Carlo D’Este highlights the extraordinary work of Philanthropist Greg Mortenson as he continues to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Read MoreIndependence Day, 2010
Historian Carlo D’Este examines the recent firing of Gen. Stanley McChrystal and highlights reasons to celebrate July 4th.
Read MoreMemorial Day 2010
Acclaimed author and historian Carlo D’Este highlights the importance of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by American soldiers during the D-Day invasion.
Read MoreA National Treasure: The Winston Churchill Memorial and Library
Historian Carlo D’Este highlights the Kemper Lecture at the National Churchill Museum where he discussed the military life of Winston Churchill.
Read MoreA Quiet Hero: The Saga of Charles Norman Shay
Author and historian Carlo D’Este examines the extraordinary life of Retired Master Sergeant and Penobscot Indian Charles Norman Shay who landed on D-Day with the 1st Infantry Division.
Read MoreArmchair General and the Colby Symposium in 2010
Armchair General magazine will be actively participating in the 15th annual William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium at Norwich University.
Read MoreAn Unlikely Soldier’s Story
Author and Armchair General magazine consulting historian Carlo D’Este looks back on the life of his father as a soldier fighting on World War I’s eastern front.
Read MoreThe End Of A Forgettable Year
Historian and Armchair General Advisory Board Member Carlo D’Este reflects on the significant events of 2009 including the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and “going green.”
Read MoreAuld Lang Syne: The Death of a Citizen Soldier and Poet
Historian and Author Carlo D’Este looks back on the life of his friend Harry Brack, a Battle of Britain/London Blitz survivor, for Armchair General.
Read MoreA Lingering Controversy: Eisenhower’s ‘Broad Front’ Strategy
Historian and Armchair General Advisory Board Member Carlo D’Este examines Gen. Dwight Eisenhower’s “Broad Front” Strategy sixty years after World War II.
Read MoreMarket Garden 65 Years On: Reflections of a Tragedy
Armchair General Consulting Historian Carlo D’Este looks back on the failure of Operation Market Garden in September, 1944 during World War II.
Read MoreAugust 1914 and the Madness That Followed
Carlo D’Este looks back on the impact of World War I.
Read MoreWhat the Fourth of July Really Means
Noted historian and ArmchairGeneral Advisory Board member Carlo D’Este examines the true meaning of the Fourth of July.
Read MoreD-Day, Sixty Five Years Later
June 6, 2009 will mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day, when the eyes of the world were focused on a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast. It is hard for those living in freedom today to imagine just what the news of the Allied landings really meant.
Read MoreIrena Sendler – A Real-Life Heroine
Irena Sendler (Irena Sendlerowa in Polish) saved more Jews from the Nazis than Oskar Schindler did, yet she remained largely unknown outside her native Poland until recently. Despite repeated torture, she never betrayed her compatriots.
Read MoreThe National World War II Museum – A National Treasure
The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, brainchild of the late historian Stephen E. Ambrose, is a national treasure.
Read More14th Annual William E. Colby Military Writers Symposium
The 14th Annual William E. Colby Military Writers Symposium, March 25-27, 2009, features authors Joseph L. Galloway, R. Alan King, Donald L. Miller, Douglas MacGregor, and James Hornfischer.
Read MoreNo Festivities for the Inauguration of Winston Churchill
In April 1940, the responsibility to lead Britain was thrust upon Winston Churchill, who would later remark that, “Some people pretend to regard me as The British Lion. But I am not the Lion. I am simply the Roar of the Lion.â€
Read MoreDecember 1940 – Things Were Much Worse
In December 1940 Britain’s cities burned under a rain of Nazi bombs. Only Operation COMPASS in North Africa provided hope and inspiration. Historian Carlo D’Este says we would do well to consider that bleak December as we face an uncertain 2009.
Read MoreChurchill and Obama – Leadership Challenges in Tough Times
Historian Carlo D’Este finds similarities between the challenges facing U.S. president-elect Barrack Obama and those that faced British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in World War II.
Read MoreWarlord – A Life of Winston Churchill at War Debuts
Warlord: A Life of Winston Churchill at War, 1874 – 1945, by historian Carlo D’Este, examines the influence of Churchill’s military career on his life and on his role as prime minister. In this article, the author provides an overview.
Read MoreThe American Battle Monuments Commission
The American Battle Monuments Commission is guardian of 24 permanent military cemeteries and 25 memorials, markers and monuments in the United States and overseas.
Read MoreReturn to Normandy – Carlo D’Este Revisits the D-Day Invasion Site
Historian Carlo D’Este revisits the Normandy beaches and compares the sites today with how they looked on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Includes President Ronald Reagan’s 1984 speech at Pointe du Hoc.
Read More1941 – The Year Eisenhower Became a General Part 2
The Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 brought national attention to Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Not long before, he thought his military career was all but over and that he would more than likely retire into obscurity.
Read More1941 – The Year Eisenhower Became a General
Renowned biographer and military historian Carlo D’Este examines a lesser-known period of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s career in the first of a two-part series.
Read MoreSome Reflections on Memorial Day 2008
Veteran places flags on some 600 rural graves near Columbus, Ohio, each Memorial Day in a labor of love and dedication.
Read MoreThe Not So Merry Month of May
May 1941 was a month of hell for Britain’s prime minister, Winston Churchill, with the fall of Crete and Cyrenaica. To make things worse, the German battleship Bismarck was on its way into the Atlantic.
Read MorePracticing History: The William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium
We have never avoided the hard issues that are central to the public’s understanding. This month I’m taking the opportunity to highlight one of the finest military programs in the United States. Now in its 13th year, the William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium has established itself as a premier forum for the discussion of military history, military intelligence operations and international affairs. Since its inception it has brought to my alma mater, Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont—the nation’s oldest private military college—over 82 top authors, historians, journalists, and filmmakers for a two-day event consisting of open forums, lectures and a public panel presentation. In 2008, the symposium is poised for yet another residency of inspired debate, discussion and sharing of knowledge. What began as an experiment quickly evolved into a program of national prominence. As you will see, the program is also ably supported by Armchair General magazine. From an idea to reality: A Brief History of the Colby Symposium A program to bring influential writers to the...
Read MoreAn Unusual Journey – Dwight Eisenhower’s Odyssey Across Rural America
We routinely use the interstate highways, but it is officially called the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System. In 1919 there was no such thing as a highway system in the United States.
Read MoreChurchill and Polo
The Winston Churchill we all tend to think of was elderly, balding and rather overweight. However, as a young officer in the British cavalry in the late 1890s Churchill was an avid polo player.
Read MoreMartin Blumenson – My Remembrance of a friend
Carlo D’Este warmly remembers a sadly departed fellow historian, Martin Blumenson, who was also his mentor and friend.
Read MoreSome Recommended Reading
Carlo D’Este shares details of the three books that inspired him to become a military historian.
Read MoreAgadir and Churchill’s Prediction
History abounds with events, which in retrospect are benchmarks that assume far greater importance over the course of time. One such event occurred in July 1911 at Agadir.
Read MoreNellie – Churchill’s Mechanical ‘Mole’
This month’s article by Carlo D’Este is the original version of a heretofore-unknown account about Churchill and his role as the purveyor of innovative new ideas.
Read MoreWinston Churchill’s Great Escapade
Historian Carlo D’Este provides us with another extract from his forthcoming new book, Warlord: A Life of Winston Churchill at War.
Read MoreAir Chief Marshall Sir Harry Broadhurst
Historian Carlo D’Este takes a look at the career of this little known pioneer airman and a fighter ace during the Battle of Britain.
Read MoreTraining for war in the summer of 1941…and the making of a future Supreme Commander
Summer is finally here and in most places it’s hot and getting hotter. The summer of 1941 was equally torrid.
Read MoreTwo Days to Remember
Memorial Day 2007 was a special time when Americans joined together in towns and cities to honor the veterans of all wars fought by this nation.
Read MoreThe Valiant Poles – Pt 4
Historian Carlo D’Este concludes his series of articles about the largely unknown contribution of the exile Poles in World War II.
Read MoreThe Valiant Poles – Pt 3
Historian Carlo D’Este takes a look at the Polish 1st Armored Division formed in Scotland in early 1942.
The Valiant Poles – Pt 2
Historian Carlo D’Este examines the significant work of Polish cryptologists and mathematicians, men who accomplished the impossible – breaking the German codes.
Read MoreThe Valiant Poles – Pt 1
Carlo D’Este takes a look at the magnificent Polish contribution to the Allied cause in World War II as they struck back at the Nazi occupiers who had hijacked their nation.
Read MoreSome random observations at Christmas, 2006
We present some belated thoughts from historian Carlo D’Este on what it meant for many troops to be serving away from home last Christmas.
Read MoreGen. George S: Patton, Jr. at West Point, 1904-1909
Carlo D’Este examines Patton’s time at West Point, and his struggle with dyslexia.
Read MoreChurchill’s Early Escapades as a Soldier
Historian Carlo D’Este presents us with another preview from his forthcoming book on the life of Churchill.
Read MoreThe Day Hitler Blinked
Providing us with another sneak peek from his forthcoming book Warlord, Carlo D’Este relates another unusual incident from World War II.
Read MoreAn Incident of War
In this article, Historian Carlo D’Este provides us with a “sneak peek” from his forthcoming new book, Warlord, a biography of Winston Churchill’s astonishing military career from his youth through World War II.
Read MoreIke: World War II’s Indispensable General, Part 6
In this final installment of the series on Dwight Eisenhower, Historian Carlo D’Este looks back at the U.S. Army’s deadliest battle of World War II, the Bulge.
Read MoreIke: World War II’s Indispensable General, Part 5
This month, Historian Carlo D’Este looks at the build-up and results of Operation Market Garden and analyzes what went wrong.
Read MoreIke: World War II’s Indispensable General, Part 4: The Great D-Day Decision
In this month’s installment, historian Carlo D’Este examines the lead-up to the greatest amphibious operation in history.
Read MoreIke: World War II’s Indispensable General, Part 3
This month’s installment will take a look at one of the two greatest challenges that faced Eisenhower as supreme commander of Allied forces for the invasion of Europe in 1944.
Read MoreIke: World War II’s Indispensable General, Part 2
With Ike it was all about relationships and none was more important that his association with Winston Churchill. Two more diverse personalities could hardly be imagined, but together, their friendship became the foundation of the alliance, and, with Roosevelt’s declining health, the glue that held it together.
Read MoreIke: World War II’s Indispensable General, Part 1
Carlo D’Este takes a look at Dwight Eisenhower in his newest set of articles for Armchair General. This first part looks at what made him unique.
Read MoreMonty: World War II’s Most Misunderstood General, Part 3
[Note: This is Part 3 of a scheduled three-part analysis of Montgomery’s leadership and battlefield performance in World War II. The first part of this series can be found here. Part 2 can be found here.] An Armchair General Exclusive by Carlo D’Este. This final installment about Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery examines his generalship during the most crucial battle fought by the Allies since the D-Day landings in France on June 6, 1944, the desperate Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 that is perhaps the least understood of his colorful military career. The ensuing battle of Normandy and the breakout from the so-called Falaise Gap were also controversial and will be the subject of a future article on Patton and Monty. At the end of August 1944 the Normandy campaign came to a sudden and dramatic end with an overwhelming allied victory that left the German army in the West in full retreat toward Germany. So crushing was the allied victory that some began to perceive that...
Read MoreMonty: World War II’s Most Misunderstood General, Part 2
[Note: This is Part 2 of a scheduled three-part analysis of Montgomery’s leadership and battlefield performance in World War II. Look for Part 3 in September or October 2005. The first part of this series can be found here.] Last month’s article on the generalship of Field-Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery during World War II was aimed at presenting a brief glimpse into a complex character that was nothing like the cardboard stereotype that has been the typical portrayal of the man they called Monty. This essay is part 2 of a three-part examination of Monty’s leadership during the war and his relationship with senior Allied commanders. This essay is a look at his campaigns in the Mediterranean after El Alamein. * * * With Bernard Montgomery what you saw was what you got; there was not the slightest pretense to the man. He spoke his mind, always forcefully and with little thought of whether or not it was, in modern terminology, politically correct. Monty spoke as a soldier whose...
Read MoreMonty: World War II’s Most Misunderstood General, Part 1
Have you ever wondered why Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery (better known as “Monty”) often surfaces in debates about World War II generals as both the best and the worst the Allies could muster? Armchair General wanted to cut through as much of the varying opinions and myths as possible and get straight to the facts about this important battlefield leader. We enlisted the help of noted author and historian Carlo D’Este to give us a modern perspective of this controversial man.
Read MoreWhat if D-Day Had Failed?
Do we take D-Day for granted? Has the passage of time made the D-Day landings seem as if they were always destined to succeed? Armchair General Consulting Historian and author Carlo D’Este examines how this important event was no sure thing.
Read MoreThe Triumph and Tragedy of George S. Patton, Jr.: The Slapping Incidents in Sicily
Feared by enemies, immortalized in movies, and one of the best generals ever; But one slap almost ended it all! Famed historian Carlo D’Este, who has recently joined the ACG team as Consulting Historian, provides this exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at George S. Patton, Jr.’s infamous “slapping incidents” as his inaugural contribution of what is a new monthly feature.
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