Too Many Decorations In American Army

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 66, 21 March 1944, Page 5

Too Many Decorations In American Army

STRONG CRITICISM OF LEADERSHIP Received Monday, 11 p.m. NEW YORK, March *O. I * ‘ Most of the criticism of the Army will bo reduced sooner or later to leadership,” says the New York Times’ correspondent, Hanson Baldwin. “Undoubtedly poor leadership is the major cause of the Army’s weaknesses in tactics, morale and training. There are many splendid leaders but too many without moral or professional qualifications for leadership. These deficiencies are particularly evident in company and battalion officers ranging from lieutenants to majors, too many of whom arc much too contented with personal advancement. “Promotion, decoration and service ribbons have played too large a part. Medals and overseas ribbons have been awarded so frequently and so easily as to have been cheapened greatly in significance and importance. We have for some time made ourselves ridiculous in comparison with undecorated veterans in the Allied armies. “Poor leaders cannot last long in action, but too many poor leaders go overseas resulting in unnecessary casualties and weakness in the whole fabric of the Army. The High Command is well aware of this weakness which must and can be improved before Western Europe is invaded. The elimination of this weakness will not eliminate all weakenesses but will lead to the eventual disappearance of most.”