Mobilizing America: Robert P. Patterson and the War Effort, 1940-1945

by Keith E. Eiler

As the official responsible for industrial mobilization and procurement for the army and the air force, Robert P. Patterson played a uniquely important role in mobilizing the Arsenal of Democracy. In this comprehensive study, Keith E. Eiler documents Judge Patterson's extraordinary and largely unrecognized contributions to the defense and war efforts. He also offers a provocative count of the manner in which the national government managed to transform itself for war, and convert a vast market-oriented economy into an effective war machine. At the same time, the author sheds revealing new light on numerous issues of war policy and on the evolution of civil-military relations during the emergency. Judge Patterson emerges from the study as a self-effacing public servant of unusual ability and character.

592 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Edgar Raines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the definitive account of American mobilization during World War II as seen from the vantage point of the Office of the Assistant (and later Under) Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson. Like Forrest C. Pogue, the late Lt. Col. Doctor Eiler (USMA 1944; Harvard, 1974) was a master of “good, gray prose.” His writing was not showy; it was clear and logical. In the process Eiler like Pogue demonstrated what a deep dive into the primary sources could accomplish. Aside from a chapter covering Patterson's life from birth to 1940, the first half of the book deals with the period from mid-1940, when Patterson was appointed Assistant Secretary of War at Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson's insistence, until Pearl Harbor. For Patterson, this was the most difficult period of his Washington service because the country was not united in support of mobilization. He had to assume a prominent role in arguing in favor of the effort. During much of this period he was responsible for manpower as well as industrial mobilization. Only when he was named Under Secretary of War was he able to concentrate on industrial mobilization. The new Assistant Secretary, John J. McCloy, inherited the manpower portfolio. Even after America's entry into World War II, industrial mobilization was a contentious area. Patterson believed that the country owed its service men and women full support. In pursuing this end against those who argued for more consumer production to boost "civilian morale" he was not always successful, but he earned a reputation for integrity and disinterested pursuit of the public good that made him second to no other public man of his generation. This is an important book about a very important and often overlooked figure.

[JerryDeanHalleck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, if academic, book about a forgotten figure. Patterson was the under-secretary of war from 1940-1945. But he wasn't just Stimson's deputy. Then US law gave the Undersecretary the responsility for procurement and recruitment. So, it was Patterson who was handing out defense contracts, and working with FDR and various commissions to mobilize US Industry and procure manpower for the Army and War Production.

Further, given Stimson's age, the much younger Patterson, was relied upon to supervise the day-to-day operations of the war department in conjuction with Robert Lovett the under-secretary of the AIr.

So, who was Patterson? If you know anything about FDR's subordinates it will come as no suprise he was hand-picked by Frankfurter and approved by Stimson. Earlier he had gone to Havard Law where he met Frankfurter, and it was Frankfurter who was responsible for him becoming a Federal Judge.

A WW 1 vet, Patterson was a complete warhawk, hated the Germans & wanted the US economy and manpower devoted 100 percent to the war effort. He was an advocate of "total war". Every able boided man not needed for war Production, should be drafted into the Armed forces. National service should be passed, and everyone 18-45 working where the War Production Board thought best. Consumer goods should be cut to the bone. Patterson sneered at the public's desire to keep youths of 18, or fathers with young children out of combat. "We are fighting for our existance" he would state.

Further, Patterson, unlike Stimson, was also as supporter of Unconditional Surrender and a "hard peace". He was Morgenthau's first choice as German High Commissioner. However, Patterson turned down the job for personal reasons, and it went to General Clay.

A fact filled book, but primiarly of interest to those with a deep interest in the USA Home front in WW II.