Martin Blumenson
Encyclopedia
Martin Blumenson was an American
military historian who served as a historical officer with the U.S. Third and Seventh Armies in World War II
and later became a prolific author whose works included an authoritative biography of General George S. Patton
.
Born in New York City, Blumenson studied at Bucknell University
and Harvard University
, earning master's degrees from both by 1942. During World War II, he became a U.S. Army officer and served as a historical officer with U.S. forces in northwestern Europe during 1944-45. Postwar, Blumenson remained in France for years, married a French woman and later divided his time between France and the United States.
During the Korean War
, Blumenson again served with the U.S. Army and the unit he commanded (3rd Historical Detachment) was attached to the U.S. IX Corps. After the Korean War, he worked in the Office of the Chief of Military History, contributing two works to the official U.S. Army history of World War II, Breakout and Pursuit and Salerno to Cassino. Working for the OCMH until 1967, Blumenson then worked for the Johnson
administration as an adviser on civil disorders. Blumenson also taught or lectured at numerous institutions, prominent among which were the U.S. Military and Naval Academies.
During his career as an author, Blumenson authored 17 works on the military history of World War II in North Africa and Europe. His works on Patton, The Patton Papers and Patton: The Man behind the Legend, 1885–1945 were particularly acclaimed. Blumenson's final work was published in 2001.
Blumenson died on April 15, 2005, in Washington, D.C.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
military historian who served as a historical officer with the U.S. Third and Seventh Armies in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and later became a prolific author whose works included an authoritative biography of General George S. Patton
George S. Patton
George Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from...
.
Born in New York City, Blumenson studied at Bucknell University
Bucknell University
Bucknell University is a private liberal arts university located alongside the West Branch Susquehanna River in the rolling countryside of Central Pennsylvania in the town of Lewisburg, 30 miles southeast of Williamsport and 60 miles north of Harrisburg. The university consists of the College of...
and Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
, earning master's degrees from both by 1942. During World War II, he became a U.S. Army officer and served as a historical officer with U.S. forces in northwestern Europe during 1944-45. Postwar, Blumenson remained in France for years, married a French woman and later divided his time between France and the United States.
During the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, Blumenson again served with the U.S. Army and the unit he commanded (3rd Historical Detachment) was attached to the U.S. IX Corps. After the Korean War, he worked in the Office of the Chief of Military History, contributing two works to the official U.S. Army history of World War II, Breakout and Pursuit and Salerno to Cassino. Working for the OCMH until 1967, Blumenson then worked for the Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
administration as an adviser on civil disorders. Blumenson also taught or lectured at numerous institutions, prominent among which were the U.S. Military and Naval Academies.
During his career as an author, Blumenson authored 17 works on the military history of World War II in North Africa and Europe. His works on Patton, The Patton Papers and Patton: The Man behind the Legend, 1885–1945 were particularly acclaimed. Blumenson's final work was published in 2001.
Blumenson died on April 15, 2005, in Washington, D.C.
Selected works
- Anzio: The gamble that failed
- Bloody River: the real tragedy of the Rapido
- Breakout and Pursuit
- The Duel for France, 1944
- Kasserine Pass
- Masters of the art of command
- Patton: The Man Behind the Legend, 1885–1945
- The Patton Papers: 1940-1945
- Salerno to Cassino
- Sicily, whose victory?
- The Vilde Affair: Beginnings of the French Resistance
Education
- B.A. and M.A., Bucknell UniversityBucknell UniversityBucknell University is a private liberal arts university located alongside the West Branch Susquehanna River in the rolling countryside of Central Pennsylvania in the town of Lewisburg, 30 miles southeast of Williamsport and 60 miles north of Harrisburg. The university consists of the College of...
, 1939, 1940. - M.A., Harvard UniversityHarvard UniversityHarvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
, 1942.