Matthew B.Ridgway : Soldier, Statesman, Scholar, Citizen

Although Matthew B. Ridgway's life is almost entirely overlooked today, he was a highly significant figure in twentieth-century United States political and military history. He commanded the 82nd Airborne Division in the invasion in Europe in World War II, succeeded MacArthur in Korea, was the U.S. delegate to the United Nations and served as Supreme Commander of the Far East and Supreme Commander in Europe - the only general to hold both supreme commands. He was counsellor to four presidents. He helped found a university research centre on national security, and was a powerful influence in national political-military affairs for 40 years. Using Ridgway's personal papers, George Mitchell offers a unique and compelling view of this American hero. The author is in the unique position of knowing many of the places, events and people involved extremely well; he brings to Ridgway's life an understanding of the times and events that few could match and his global understanding is second to none.