There is only one sort of discipline---perfect
discipline.
George
S Patton Jr
Title: 12 O’Clock High
Author: Beirne Lay and Sy Bartlett
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 222
Content: Rarely, a novel is written that captures the
essence of a given circumstance or environment in such a way that the reader is
transported within the storyline. This is one of those books. Based in England
during the Second World War, the 918th Bomber Group was in a morale
crisis as a result of having the heaviest losses in the 8th Air
Force. The novel centres on a number of commanders and how they deal with the
challenge of this situation. This book is about leadership under
trying/demanding circumstances. The authors, having been through the war
themselves (each were bomber pilots), are able to translate their experiences
and observations into the characters of BGen Frank Savage and Maj Harvey
Stovall. An outstanding read, it brings to life the stresses of combat and the
loneliness of command. It highlights the pitfalls and dangers of either being
too lenient or too strict. Additionally, it emphasizes the fact that no leader
is perfect and that self-doubt/second guessing are part of the burden of command.
The difference lies in having the fortitude to decide and move forward when it
is not the easy thing to do. This book serves as a benchmark for the young
officer/NCO trying to imagine or appreciate the responsibilities and sacrifices
of command.
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