If it wasn't for WWII, he would have gone down in history as a minor wanker. His prior Foreign Service (or whatever they call it over there) service was mediocre at best and he suffered being recalled for whatever euphemism they have for idiocy.
George Washington, btw, was in a similar predicament before the Revolution. Some say his indecision and silliness while in the British Army was a direct cause for the Iroquois Nation to change sides and go over to the French-- making it the the French and Indian War. (The Iroquois war chief was rumored to have asked "Who is this idiot they sent us?"
He was stripped of rank over that one. Winning the revolution saved his ass, although many historians don't think he had much to do with winning it.
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