Stephen E Ambrose was a prominent American historian celebrated for his best-selling biographies of the U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon.
Despite accusations of plagiarism and inaccuracies, Ambrose connected with a broad audience.
In a New York Times review, high school teacher William Everdell noted Ambrose’s skill in engaging “an important lay audience without endorsing its every prejudice.”
While scholarly integrity concerns arose, Ambrose’s legacy endures for making history accessible to a wider public.
The Early Life of Stephen E Ambrose
Ambrose was born on January 10, 1936, in Lovington, Illinois, to Rosepha Trippe Ambrose and Stephen Hedges Ambrose.
His World War II Navy Veteran and physician father instilled a sense of service. Growing up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Ambrose attended Whitewater High School.
Additionally, the Ambrose family possessed a farm in Lovington, Illinois, and a vacation property in Marinette County, Wisconsin.
Ambrose pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was a member of the Chi Psi fraternity and played football for three years.
Initially planning to major in pre-medicine, he switched to history, inspired by a U.S. history class taught by William B. Hesseltine, which ignited his passion for the subject.
Then, Ambrose completed his undergraduate studies in 1957, pursued a master’s degree in history at Louisiana State University in 1958, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1963.
Ambrose’s Impactful Years in Higher Education
Ambrose held various academic positions throughout his distinguished career. His tenure as a history professor spanned from 1960 until his retirement in 1995.
Notably, he became a faculty member at the University of New Orleans in 1971, earning the title of Boyd Professor of History in 1989—a recognition reserved for those achieving “national or international distinction for outstanding teaching, research, or other creative achievement.”
Ambrose also served as the Ernest J. King Professor of Maritime History at the Naval War College in 1969–1970 and later as the Dwight D.
Eisenhower Professor of War and Peace at Kansas State University during 1970–1971.
He faced controversy for heckling President Richard Nixon at KSU, ultimately offering to leave, and his departure was accepted.
Stephen E. Ambrose: Impact on Cold War Historiography
Renowned historian Stephen E. Ambrose made significant contributions to American historical literature. His early focus on the American Civil War produced biographies of notable generals such as Emory Upton and Henry Halleck.
His career took a pivotal turn in 1964 when he joined the Eisenhower Papers project, working closely with World War II historian Forrest Pogue.
Ambrose’s critical analysis of Cornelius Ryan’s portrayal of Eisenhower evolved into the book “Eisenhower and Berlin, 1945: The Decision to Halt at the Elbe” (1967).
Subsequently commissioned to write the official biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ambrose crafted “The Supreme Commander” (1970) and a comprehensive two-volume biography (1983, 1984), establishing them as standards in the field.
Stephen E Ambrose: Unbiased Portrayal of Richard Nixon
Despite being a vocal critic of Richard Nixon, Ambrose’s three-volume biography of the former president was widely recognized for its fairness and accuracy. In 1988, Ambrose’s encounter with Easy Company Veterans sparked the creation of “Band of Brothers” (1992) and “D-Day” (1994), the latter marking his first significant bestseller.
Among Ambrose’s most notable works is “Undaunted Courage” (1996), a compelling exploration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 126 weeks. Throughout his career, Ambrose authored 27 books, and his influence extended beyond self-authored works as he co-authored, edited, and contributed to numerous other publications.
His extensive impact on American historical literature is further evident in his contributions to magazines. These include American Heritage and his editorial role in MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History. Stephen E. Ambrose’s legacy continues to enrich our understanding of American history.
Ambrose’s Historical Impact on Screen
The impact of Stephen E Ambrose extended beyond academia as he engaged with television and film. His involvement in the 1973-74 ITV series “The World at War” and as a historical consultant for “Saving Private Ryan” showcased his influence.
Ambrose’s role as executive producer for HBO’s “Band of Brothers” and documentaries like “Price for Peace” contributed to sustaining interest in World War II.
He also lent his expertise to Ken Burns’ documentary on Lewis & Clark. Beyond media, Ambrose operated historical tours and served on boards, illustrating his commitment to diverse engagements beyond his prolific academic and literary contributions.
America’s National World War II Museum
The National World War II Museum vividly illustrates Stephen E. Ambrose’s profound influence on preserving and honoring American history.
As one of the co-founders of the museum in New Orleans, Ambrose envisioned a space that would deeply reflect respect for citizen soldiers and those on the Home Front.
His substantial $500,000 donation catalyzed fundraising. Therefore attracted significant contributions from the government, the state, and notable figures such as Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. In 2003, the U.S. Congress formally acknowledged the museum as “America’s National World War II Museum,” marking an expansion of its mission and significance.
Prestigious Awards Recognizing Ambrose’s Contributions
Ambrose’s legacy extends beyond institutions. He garnered numerous accolades. Awards such as the St. Louis Literary Award, National Humanities Medal, and Samuel Eliot Morison Prize honor his lifetime achievements.
The Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, Theodore Roosevelt Medal for Distinguished Service, and an Emmy for producing “B and of Brothers” underscore Ambrose’s multifaceted contributions. In tribute, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu celebrated Ambrose’s excellence in capturing the American spirit through words, securing unanimous Senate consent.
Marriage and Later Years
In 1957, Ambrose wed his first wife, Judith Dorlester, and together, they had two children, Stephenie and Barry. Sadly, Judith passed away in 1965 when Ambrose was 29. He remarried in 1967 to Moira Buckley (1939–2009) and adopted her three children, Andrew, Grace, and Hugh. Moreover, Moira actively assisted him in his writing and academic endeavors.
Following retirement, Ambrose maintained residences in Helena, Montana, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. A longtime smoker, he received a lung cancer diagnosis in April 2002.
Seven months later, at the age of 66, Ambrose passed away. George McGovern, the primary focus of Ambrose’s “Wild Blue,” acknowledged, “He probably reached more readers than any other historian in our national history.
