12 O'Clock High

6 Pages 1611 Words

Twelve O’ Clock High
Released in 1949, Twelve O’ Clock High is one of the first released war movies that reveal the emotional complexity of World War II. Based on a true story, Twelve O’Clock High is an inspirational account of the highly dangerous precision daylight bombing missions carried out by US Army Air Force’s 918th Bomber Group in England during the last part of World War II. In the beginning of the movie the squadron is commanded by General Keith Davenport.
It is very clear that General Davenport’s main concern is the well being of his men. He obviously had developed close interpersonal relationships. The men of the squadron were completely devoted towards Davenport and they trusted any decision that he would make. General Davenport’s affection for his men comes to interfere with his ability to lead them. The squadron suffers heavy losses to planes and heavier losses to soldiers. One instance that clearly demonstrates Davenport’s incapability to uphold his responsibilities as the leader is when he jeopardizes the well being of the entire squadron by ignoring protocol and flying out of formation in the attempt to save one plane. After a discussion between Davenport and General Pritchard, Pritchard relieves Davenport of his command and turns the command over to Savage.
This is where the organizational change of the squadron began. Savage, unlike the previous leader, is a charismatic leader through his conduct and actions. According to A.R. Willner, “It is not what the leader is but what people see the leader as that counts in generating the charismatic relationship.” It is essential in charismatic leadership to establish a vision, looking toward some desired idealized future state and to focus on gaining the followers commitment to that vision. Army leaders must continuously inculcate a sense of values in harmony with the followers’ needs and hopes.
General Savage was ordered to take over the...