How did Dwight D. Eisenhower go from being a Lt. Gen in 1942 to being named the Supreme Allied commander a little over a year later, and not someone else?

by DB2V2

Just curious, as i've only ever heard it was because he was willing to put the allied coalition above just the United States military and political interest. Was there actually more to it than just this?

ssgtsnake

Currently reading Eisenhower in War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith so most of my knowledge on the subject is coming from that.

Essentially, Roosevelt wanted George Marshall to take over for Eisenhower after the North Africa Campaign. However, Marshall turned down the job leading to Eisenhower being picked.

Honestly, he had a lot of experience gained from leading the North African campaign. He was able to talk both politically with Churchill and handle both the "big" personalities of Montgomery and Patton. The success the Allies had in North Africa also put Eisenhower in line for the job.

This is the quick and dirty answer. I'll try to elaborate more when I get home.