A Question of Loyalty

This biography of the controversial U.S. army general and honored hero is “[a] fascinating well-told tale of a military maverick's life” (Chicago Tribune).

A Washington Post Best Book of the YearA Chicago Tribune Best Book of the YearA New York Sun Favorite Book of the Year

A Question of Loyalty plunges into the seven-week Washington trial of Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell, the hero of the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I and the man who proved in 1921 that planes could sink a battleship.

In 1925 Mitchell was frustrated by the slow pace of aviation development, and he sparked a political firestorm, accusing the army and navy high commands—and by inference the president—of treason and criminal negligence in the way they conducted national defense. He was put on trial for insubordination in a spectacular court-martial that became a national obsession during the Roaring Twenties.

Uncovering a trove of new letters, diaries, and confidential documents, Douglas Waller captures the drama of the trial and builds a rich and revealing biography of Billy Mitchell.

“This fascinating and intimate portrait shows Mitchell as he evolves from daring aviator and war hero to infamous and outspoken military critic.” —New York Times–bestselling author Douglas Brinkley

“A must read for anyone who wants to understand how the military polices itself, contending with the rogues, dissenters, or outspoken mavericks in its midst.” —Wall Street Journal