In Room 605 of Phillips House, the private wing of Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital, a soldier lay dying. He was just able to hear, just able to smile when they gave him the prized Oak Leaf Cluster for his Distinguished Service Medal, with this citation from the Secretary of War: "Adna R. Chaffee, Major General, United States Army. For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services . . . outstanding foresight, judgment and leadership in organizing and commanding the Armored Force of the Army...."
Two days later, when the Senate in Washington confirmed his permanent...