Chester "Chet" B. Hansen: General Omar Bradley's Aide, Diarist (and Personal Scout on D-Day)

Quick answer: Who was Chester Hansen?

Chester "Chet" Hansen was a former journalist who served as Gen. Omar Bradley's aide from North Africa through the end of World War II. On D-Day he kept a detailed diary aboard USS Augusta and was sent toward Omaha Beach to report on the situation. He later helped write Bradley's memoir A Soldier's Story.

Why it matters for leaders: Leaders depend on the people who go and look for themselves and report back honestly, especially when the news is bad.

Q: What did Hansen do on D-Day?

A: He kept notes beside Bradley aboard USS Augusta and was sent toward Omaha Beach to report on conditions when information was scarce.

Q: Did Hansen write A Soldier's Story?

A: He served as Bradley's ghostwriter, and many of the memoir's words are his.

Read the full article on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chester-chet-b-hansen-general-omar-bradleys-aide-diarist-john-fenzel

By John Fenzel, founder and CEO of Heroes' Path Foundation