Born in 1893 near Clark, Mo., Gen. Omar Bradley was known as “the soldier’s general” and was Commander of the 12th Army during World War II. One of America’s greatest generals, he commanded the largest American force ever united under one man’s leadership during that war.

After the war Bradley became the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He served as a five-star general and had the longest military service in U.S. history.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo credit: [Arthur Witman Photograph Collection, S0717. S0717_2317.], The State Historical Society of Missouri, Photograph Collection.