Who is credited with creating the blue book for army standards?

Baron von Steuben is credited with creating the "blue book" for army standards, formally known as the "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States." This manual was published in 1779 and drew upon European military practices, particularly those from the Prussian army, which von Steuben had extensive experience with.

The blue book established standardized procedures for training and discipline within the Continental Army at a critical time during the American Revolutionary War. Von Steuben's efforts helped transform the American forces into a more effective and organized military, ensuring that troops were well-trained and prepared. His manual emphasized the importance of a disciplined approach to military organization, which had lasting impacts on the way the U.S. Army operated thereafter.

Other figures mentioned, like General George Washington, played significant roles in establishing the Army and overseeing its development, but they did not produce this particular set of standards. General Dwight D. Eisenhower's contributions were vital during World War II and involved strategic military planning rather than creating early military standards. Colonel John Smith is not a recognized figure in relation to army standards or the blue book.