American Generalissimo

Pearl Harbor had shown the Nation the disastrous flaw in divided Army & Navy responsibility. Six months later, Midway proved the strength of teamwork. Last week Franklin Roosevelt, in response to public clamor for more teamwork, carefully considered the appointment of a U.S. generalissimo over all the armed forces. He had gone so far as to discuss the job with a possible candidate: gaunt, able, patient, sharp-tongued Admiral William D. Leahy.

The Army & Navy each naturally—and desperately—wants its own man at the top. Best point in Admiral Leahy's favor: he gets on well with the Army. Further, he has proved his diplomatic ability in his delicate 16-month mission as Ambassador to Vichy. Point least in his favor: his age (67). A friend of Franklin Roosevelt's from World War I days, Iowa-born Admiral Leahy held the Navy's top job (Chief of Naval Operations) from 1937-39. No brass hat or battleship admiral, he fought for the fortification of Guam, expansion of air power, and tried valiantly—with a seven-seas gleam in his eye—to get the U.S. Navy built back up to the 5-5-3 ratio.

Any U.S. generalissimo's powers would proceed entirely from the President, since he is, by the Constitution, commander in chief of both Army & Navy. Reports had it that Franklin Roosevelt jokingly said there was only one objection to the scheme: "I'm doing myself out of a job."