Witness to Power: The Life of Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy by Henry H. Adams

Henry H. Adams, acclaimed for his biography of Harry Hopkins, presents "Witness to Power," a comprehensive portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt's top military advisor, Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy. As the president's chief of staff and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during World War II, Leahy was a pivotal figure in the U.S. military, wielding immense influence in Washington.

Adams brings out of obscurity this often-overlooked military leader who, despite his significant contributions, remained a background figure compared to his more prominent contemporaries. The biography highlights Leahy's crucial role in Roosevelt's administration, his close relationship with the president, and his instrumental part in ensuring a smooth transition of power to Truman after Roosevelt's death.

The book also delves into Leahy's earlier years, including his time as chief of naval operations, where he initiated the development of a formidable two-ocean navy, his tenure as governor of Puerto Rico, and his diplomatic role as ambassador to Vichy France. Through these accounts, Adams illustrates the breadth of Leahy's service and influence.

"Witness to Power" not only resurrects Leahy's legacy but also positions him rightfully in the annals of American history. Henry H. Adams, with his extensive background in history and literature, including works like "Harry Hopkins: A Biography" and a four-volume history of World War II, offers an insightful and well-researched perspective on one of America's significant yet unheralded military figures.