From a ragged revolution to the largest war in history, America's story has been shaped by the commanders who led its armies. These are the generals behind the nation's defining victories, from Washington crossing the Delaware to Eisenhower launching D-Day, each linked to the battle that made their name.
George Washington. The commander who held the Continental Army together and won independence at Yorktown, then became the first president.
Ulysses S. Grant. The relentless general who took Vicksburg, forced Lee's surrender at Appomattox, and saved the Union.
William Tecumseh Sherman. Grant's hammer, who took Atlanta and marched to the sea in the war that ended slavery.
Robert E. Lee. The Confederacy's most celebrated general, skilled in battle but fighting for a cause built on slavery, and beaten by Grant.
Stonewall Jackson. Lee's right arm and master of the fast march, killed by his own men at Chancellorsville. See them together in the commanders of the American Civil War.
George S. Patton. The bold armored commander whose Third Army raced across France and broke through to Bastogne.
Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Supreme Allied Commander who united the Allies and launched the D-Day landings in Normandy.
Douglas MacArthur. The general who led the Pacific war, returned to the Philippines, and later commanded in Korea.
Audie Murphy. The most decorated American soldier of the Second World War and holder of the Medal of Honor.
Andrew Jackson. The hero of New Orleans in 1815 who became the seventh president, a national hero whose record is shadowed by Indian removal.
John J. Pershing. 'Black Jack,' who led the American army in the First World War and kept it fighting as an independent force.
Chester Nimitz. The Fleet Admiral who won at Midway and led the US Navy across the Pacific to Japan.
William Halsey. The aggressive 'Bull,' who rallied the fleet in 1942 and led the Third Fleet at Leyte Gulf. See the Pacific trio in the commanders of the Pacific War.
From the Revolution to victory in Europe
America's commanders came from many worlds, a Virginia planter, a quiet Ohio soldier, a brash cavalryman and a gifted organizer, but each met a decisive test of the age. George Washington won independence and then gave up power; Ulysses S. Grant won the Civil War and preserved the Union; George S. Patton and Dwight D. Eisenhower helped defeat Nazi Germany alongside their Allies.
Each commander above has a full biography, and you can walk the battles they fought in the greatest battles in American history or measure them against the world's best in the greatest military commanders.