First Command: Paths To Leadership

by Dwight Jon Zimmerman

Washington, Lee, Grant, Pershing, MacArthur, Eisenhower, and Patton are names recognized by everyone. They are among a select group of American military leaders that rose to the top of their profession and achieved unparalleled levels of greatness. But what was it like for these and other men -- and more recently, women -- at the beginning of their careers, when the path before them often held little promise and contained many obstacles? First Command presents the early exploits of important generals in American history -- pivotal moments in their careers that occurred before the spotlight of fame illuminated their lives. Some of the incidents that shaped these officers were part of landmark conflicts, others are now no more than footnotes in American military history, and still others occurred without the sounds of guns being fired in anger. But in all cases these men and women gained valuable experience and direction. A young adult book suitable for all ages, the book has received advance critical acclaim from historians and education experts alike. A television series, First Command, based on the book, produced by Weller-Grossman Productions is presently being shown on Discovery Channels, who have taken options for additional episodes to be produced in 2006.

136 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2006

About the author

DWIGHT JON ZIMMERMAN is an award-winning author and producer. His most recent book, Uncommon Valor: The Medal of Honor and the Six Warriors Who Earned It in Afghanistan and Iraq, co-authored with John D. Gresham and published by St. Martin’s Press, received the 2010 Founder’s Award from the Military Writers Society of America, the organization’s highest honor. Zimmerman’s other books include the award-winning The Vietnam War: A Graphic History (Hill & Wang), with artist Wayne Vansant, the first-ever single-volume graphic history of the Vietnam War; the critically acclaimed Beyond Hell and Back (St. Martin’s Press), with co-author John D. Gresham, about seven pivotal special operations missions from Vietnam to present day, and the award-winning First Command: Paths to Leadership (Vandamere Press), about the pivotal moments in the early careers of some of America’s most important generals. First Command later became an award-winning mini-series on the Military Channel. Zimmerman has lectured at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Naval War College and has written numerous articles on military history subjects. His articles have been selected by the Naval War College for use in their curriculum and recognized by the prestigious Journal of Special Operations Medicine. Zimmerman began his career in publishing at Marvel Comics, where he held a variety of editorial positions. In 1992, Zimmerman became executive editor of Topps Comics and was responsible for the editorial and art direction of its lines of media tie-in comics.

His next book is Saga of the Sioux an authorized young adult adaptation of Dee Brown’s Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Zimmerman lives in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife and daughter.