Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunker
I just ordered the Memoirs of Ulysseys S. Grant
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Maybe the best military history book I've ever read. Grant really describes military logistics and tactics in a way even a layman can clearly understand. He admires and respects courage and fighting spirit. And he shows many instances where a failure to press the advantage through timidity or uncertainty can cost a victory. But he makes it clear that getting to the decisive zone with the most trained men, food, and ammunition usually makes the difference between victory and defeat. And even the bravest and most spirited force or commander can be destroyed by a more numerous, better armed, or better placed enemy. It was never so clear to me before reading the memoires that a battle can be lost because of muddy supply roads or starving horses or failure to keep backup ammunition close to the front. Maybe it's his experience as a quartermaster that gives him that emphasis?