He worked, served under, or learned from many famous generals, including George Patton, Fox Conner, John J. Pershing, and Douglas A. MacArthur. Patton taught him much about tank warfare. Conner served as a key mentor to Eisenhower, teaching him military history and strategy. Some dubbed him “the man who made Eisenhower.” Eisenhower referred to Conner as “the ablest man I ever knew.”

Pershing sent Eisenhower to the Army War College, and then to France. MacArthur taught the junior officer administration and attention to detail when Eisenhower served under the famous general’s staff in the Philippines and elsewhere.