Brehon B. Somervell

Biography

General Brehon B. Somervell (1892–1955) oversaw the Army Service Forces during World War II, managing the enormous logistical network that supplied millions of troops around the globe. His engineering background and organizational skill kept the production, distribution, and maintenance efforts flowing even in the face of unprecedented demand.

Somervell’s work enabled combat units to remain focused on their missions, and he continued to serve the nation thoughtfully after the war as the Army transitioned to peacetime. He rests at Arlington National Cemetery, where the vast reach of his service is respectfully commemorated.