Use Charles Macdonald’s Company Commander and James McDonough Platoon Leader as primary sources to answer a historical question.
Answer one of the following , referring to the assigned books in your answer:
1) What are the hardest tasks required of these two combat officers? (You may wish to discuss the need to enforce discipline, their relations with their superiors and fellow officers, learning tactics, etc.)
2) What insights do Macdonald and McDonough have about leading American troops in combat? Are there examples of particularly good or bad soldiers? Do they share many of the same conclusions or were their experiences in World War 2 and Vietnam totally different?
3) What insights do Macdonald and McDonough have about the quality of leadership in the US Army? Did they meet some exceptionally good or bad officers? How do they describe the officers who are their superiors or subordinates?
Sample Solution