An Unsung Soldier

Gen. Andrew J. Goodpaster was one of the leading soldier-scholars of his time. He stood as a key figure among the dominant American military and political personalities during the Cold War. Goodpaster served Gen. Dwight Eisenhower in establishing the international military component of NATO and then served as Staff Secretary and Defense Liaison Officer in the Eisenhower White House. He achieved the highest international military command assignment possible when, after serving in Vietnam as Deputy Commander, he was appointed NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. He was called out of retirement to restore the integrity of West Point after a major ethical crisis. Upon his final retirement and for over a quarter-century thereafter, he was actively involved in both the formal and informal world of Washington policy-making, making his mark repeatedly as a respected participant.