American logistics in World War II was "big" by just about about any measure one can devise. The essays in this book address the massive subject of The Big L" -- World War II logistics - -from seven perspectives: industrial mobilization; acquisition of war materials; the economics of mobilization; the building of infrastructure; the Lend-Lease program; joint logistics in the Pacific Theater; and joint logistics -- the "materiel battle" -- in Europe. The American effort -- mind-boggling as it was in sheer numbers -- was flawed in many respects. Offers a balanced analysis that will best serve our understanding of this subject. Charts, tables and maps.

American logistics in World War II was "big" by just about any measure one can devise. There is no question that it played a dominant role in the allied victory and thereby shaped the history of the rest of the century. The lessons of that achievement, consequently, remain essential today, especially for those who study and work with the resources component of United States grand strategy. So it is important that those lessons be accurate, that they portray a balanced view, pointing out shortcomings as well as documenting great successes; otherwise, a mythologized picture of the "Arsenal of Democracy" may be perpetuated. It was in this spirit that the Industrial College of the Armed Forces convened a symposium to address the lessons of World War II logistics--"the Big L."The extended essays published here began as papers delivered at the symposium, then were expanded and revised for this book. Written by faculty of the Industrial College, they address the massive subject from seven perspectives: industrial mobilization; acquisition of war materials; the economics of mobilization; the building of infrastructure; the Lend-Lease program; joint logistics in the Pacific Theater; and joint logistics--the "materiel battle"--in Europe. The American effort--mind-boggling as it was in sheer numbers--was flawed in many respects. With the advantage of hindsight, the authors take a hard, unsentimental look at these areas of WWII logistics and offer a balanced analysis that will best serve our understanding of this subject.It is particularly appropriate that this book is a product of the Industrial College because ICAF is a unique institution--the only senior military college in the world dedicated to comprehensive study of the resources component of national security. The idea for the book as well as the symposium was conceived and seen to fruition by a member of the ICAF faculty. The book you hold in your hands is no mere proceedings of a conference, but a comprehensive, fully developed anthology that can serve both as a textbook for the student and an enlightening guide for the general reader.1. Industrial Mobilization * 2. Acquisition in World War II * 3. The Economics of America's World War II Mobilization * 4. Building Victory's Foundation: Infrastructure * 5. Lend-Lease: An Assessment of a Government Bureaucracy * 6. Joint Logistics in the Pacific Theater * 7. Materialschlact: The "Materiel Battle" in the European Theater

In World War II, the United States mounted a military effort of unprecedented magnitude and complexity. With more than 11 million soldiers to be armed, fed, clothed, and transported, logistics — including the design, procurement, distribution, and movements of supplies and the transportation of troops — became big business. General Brehon B. Somervell, a brilliant military-industrial manager, led the army’s wartime logistical operation. Sometimes criticized as a big spender, he understood well the decisive role of superior material and mobility. As America’s chief wartime logistician, he demanded ample supplies for the troops, at the right place at the right time. A graduate of West Point, Somervell served his country in both the military and civilian arenas. As head of the Works Progress Administration in New York City, he won recognition for his effective management; later, he helped prepare the nation for war by building training camps and munitions plants. At the height of his career, as head of the War Department Services of Supply — known later as the Army Service Forces — Somervell was responsible for the supply and administration of the army within the United States and the support of troops overseas. He also was the War Department’s principal logistical advisor and troubleshooter. In these ways, Somervell played a vital role in the mobilization of forces and powerfully influenced the United States’ conduct of the war. “Ohl has provided a signal contribution to our knowledge of the war and those who led it. He takes great pains to analyze frankly Somervell’s techniques and style, especially his political sure-footedness and his callous handling of subordinates... [a] generally superb study.” — Leslie Anders, The American Historical Review “Ohl’s lucid biography of General Brehon Burke (Bill) Somervell is a valuable corrective to frequent emphases upon strategy and tactics at the expense of logistics... Ohl splendidly depicts Somervell’s acquisition of managerial techniques in the inter-war army and his ruthless demeanour in War Department turf battles before and during the Second World War... Ohl has performed a tremendous service to Second World War historians by reminding us of the importance of logistics and reintroducing us to this complex and fiery general.” — Kevin Smith, The International History Review “Ohl convincingly demonstrates Somervell’s grasp of the impact of logistics on strategy... Ohl is not afraid to paint his subject ‘warts and all...’ Ohl contends that his faults pale in light of Somervell’s contributions to victory and convincingly details these achievements.” — Phyllis A. Zimmerman, The Journal of Military History