The Most Brilliant Soldier in the Army: Benedict Arnold

“They, our agents… risked their lives... and died because this warped, murdering traitor wanted a bigger house and a Jaguar.”
James Woolsey, former Director of the CIA on American double-agent Aldrich Ames

Despite that scathing beat-down, Aldrich Ames is a mere also-ran in the dirty, rotten traitor sweepstakes. Benedict Arnold bears that crown, thank you. What scum! But despite his reputation, Arnold has a memorial (below) for being what historian James Thomas Flexner “the greatest combat general of the [Revolutionary] war on either side.”

As a high-ranking officer for the Colonists, Benedict Arnold’s bravery and leadership were instrumental in winning the battle of Saratoga, a victory that helped persuade France to ally itself with the Colonists. This was important— among other things, over 85 percent of the rebels’ gunpowder was French.

Since Benedict Arnold was shot in the leg at this battle, there is a statue of his boot at Saratoga National Park. The boot's inscription reads, “To the most brilliant soldier of the Continental army.” But the memorial’s founders were too chicken to add his name, so it's up to you to know who the "brilliant soldier" was.

Arnold was caught trying to surrender the West Point fort on the Hudson River to the Redcoats. The plan was found out before it came off, and Arnold fled to New York (a Loyalist stronghold). He stayed there from 1781–83, and then fled for England at war’s end. For his treason, Benedict Arnold was paid £6,315, which had the purchasing power of about half-a-million of today’s dollars. Despite this, he died broke.

But his boot will stand forever!

That photo above is by Naseem Khuri.

Toughening Up for West Point

At the age of ten, my interest in playing RISK ("the board-game of world domination") led me to become a military man. I wore t-shirts in cold weather, and ran (not walked!) everywhere as part of my campaign to toughen up for West Point.

Applying for membership with the Military Book Club seemed like a good way to beef up my résumé. For weeks, I anxiously waited to see if I'd be accepted into that select group. (And I was! Those were giddy times.)

Reading about tank battles in the USSR, island-hopping in the Pacific, and air wars over England was good stuff, but the biggest thrill was probably just getting packages in the mail.

I also found the the graphic elements of war and propaganda posters particularly appealing. (I've cadged a few more of them here.)

My readings taught me that Hitler had never played RISK; anyone who has can tell you can’t hang on to Europe if you attack Russia. As for West Point, I would ultimately choose a more reputable place for scholarship: San Diego State University. (Sure, it has a 17% graduation rate, but I love having the odds stacked against me.)