Biography of george s patton

In fact, he was the Allied general most admired and feared by the Germans. Born into a wealthy family in California, Patton was descended from a long line of soldiers and achievers, and he always felt that their spirits were watching and judging what he did. One of his ancestors had fought for the rebel hero, Bonnie Prince Charlie, who led a revolt in Scotland inand others had served with the Confederate Army in the Civil War Patton's father gave up his job as district attorney of Los Angeles to run the family winery.

Although he learned to talk at an early age and had a vivid imagination, Patton suffered from a learning disability that made reading and writing extremely difficult for him. His family wanted to shelter him from ridicule, so he was educated at home by his doting Aunt Nannie. She read to him constantly, choosing myths and folk tales as well as passages from the Bible and even military history.

The young Patton loved to act out the great battles of history, and his claims of having been present at these conflicts were so convincing that his family thought he had some kind of supernatural gift. Patton started attending school when he was twelve. His classmates made fun of him because he still couldn't read or write. Nonetheless he managed to progress through a combination of strong determination and a good memory.

It was at this time that Patton began to hide his insecurities beneath a tough, swaggering image. He was an adventurous boy who enjoyed riding, shooting, fishing, and hunting; in fact, he was so adventurous that he took a lot of risks and had many accidents. When he was only seventeen years old, Patton met Beatrice Ayer. Like Patton, she liked sports and was from a wealthy family.

Biography of george s patton: George Smith Patton III was a

The couple married eight years later, even though Beatrice's father didn't want his daughter to marry a military man. Patton told him, "It is as natural for me to be a soldier as it is to breathe. It's not too surprising, then, that Patton called the U. His father was so worried that Patton would flunk out of the academy that he made sure someone from the family lived close to West Point throughout the six years Patton attended.

The first year, he failed math and had to repeat a whole year of classes. He was shocked and ashamed, but was determined to succeed. At West Point, Patton was known as a strong leader and a good athlete who believed that a soldier should strictly follow behavior and dress codes—a belief he would continue to hold throughout his life.

He looked forward to some day taking part in a war, for, he wrote, "it is in war alone that I am fitted to do anything of importance. Meanwhile he was enjoying such sophisticated hobbies as playing polo, fencing, buying thoroughbred horses, and ballroom dancing. He competed in the Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, placing fifth in the military pentathlon pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, steeplechase riding, and a meter run.

Patton was an excellent swordsman, and when he went to Fort RileyKansas, in to study at the army's Mounted Service School he also got a job as a fencing instructor. He held the title of Master of the Sword and was the army's top fencing expert. This pursuit helped him to project a swashbuckling persona that belied the sensitive side of his personality.

Pershing for an expedition into Mexico. The purpose of the expedition was to punish the rebel leader Pancho Villa, who had recently raided an American town. Patton took part in a Wild West -type gun battle and thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. After World War I ; a war that started as a conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and escalated into a global war involving thirty-two countries began Patton again joined up with General Pershing's forces, this time in France.

But he was far from the fighting, so he quit Pershing's staff and joined the U. Tank Corps. InPatton was promoted to lieutenant colonel and put in charge of the Tank Corps, taking part in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne battles before being wounded. Although he was disappointed to be out of the fighting for the rest of the war, Patton received the Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross for his courageous performance.

In the years between the two world wars, Patton held a variety of staff positions and received additional training. He continued his study of military history and of tank warfare one of his favorite subjectswrote articles, pursued his favorite hobbies, and kept physically fit. But he was bored. France and Britain declared war on Germany.

Eventually, many other countries would become involved in the conflict, including the United States. In Patton was madea general and given command of a biography of george s patton division; he wrote to a friend: "All that is now needed is a nice juicy war. This group participated in the successful invasion of North Africa called Operation Torch that took place in November.

Fresh from that success, Patton took over as commander of the 2nd Corps in Tunisia, which had just suffered a discouraging defeat and was not performing well. He is credited with reviving the sagging spirits of the men and helping them improve their fighting ability.

Biography of george s patton: George S. Patton (‑) was a

Patton believed in aggressive warfare, which is characterized by rapid movement and the element of surprise. His approach to the conduct of his soldiers was equally aggressive. An example is this segment of a speech he gave his junior officers at the start of Operation Torch: "Now if you have any doubts as to what you're to do, I can put it very simply.

The idea is to move ahead. You usually will know where the front is by the sound of gunfire, and that'sthe direction you should proceed. Now suppose you lose a hand or an ear is shot off, or perhaps a piece of your nose, and you think you should walk back to get first aid. If I see you, it will be the last goddamned walk you'll ever take.

Patton also enforced a strict dress code, insisting that his men appear polished and buttoned at all times, that they shave daily despite water rationing, and that they wear their neckties into battle. Promoted to lieutenant general and given command of the U. Patton's daring and effective maneuvers made headlines, and he became a popular hero—at least until what may have been the most controversial episode in his career.

Patton was visiting wounded men at a military hospital when several soldiers told him that they suffered not from injuries but from combat fatigue; "It's my nerves, sir! This incident generated much negative publicity, even though Patton later claimed that he was just trying to shock the men into recovery. Patton's superior officer, General Dwight D.

Eisenhower ; see entryseriously considered relieving him of his command, but knew he was too valuable a general to lose. Watersfrom a prisoner-of-war camp further damaged his standing with his superiors. His emphasis on rapid and aggressive offensive action proved effective, and he was regarded highly by his opponents in the German High Command.

An award-winning biographical film released inPattonhelped popularize his image. PershingPatton's mentor, inbut the engagement ended because of their separation during Pershing's time in France during World War I. As a child, Patton had difficulty learning to read and write, but eventually overcame this and was known in his adult life to be an avid reader.

Patton never seriously considered a career other than the military. He also applied to several universities with military corps of cadet programs, and was accepted to Princetonbut eventually decided on Virginia Military Institute VMIwhich his father and grandfather had attended. Bard nominated him for West Point. In his plebe first year at West Point, Patton adjusted easily to the routine.

However, his academic performance was so poor that he was forced to repeat his first year after failing mathematics. He was cadet sergeant major during his junior year, and the cadet adjutant his senior year. He also joined the football team, but he injured his arm and stopped playing on several occasions. Instead he tried out for the sword team and track and field and specialized in the modern pentathlon.

Patton graduated number 46 out of cadets at West Point on 11 June[ 16 ] and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the Cavalry "biography of george s patton" of the United States Army. Patton was an Episcopalian. His great-grandmother came from an aristocratic Welsh family, descended from many Welsh lords of Glamorgan[ 8 ] which had an extensive military background.

Patton believed he had formerly lived as a soldier and took pride in mystical ties with his ancestors. He is a 1st cousin six times removed of George Washington. He emigrated to Culpeper, Virginiafrom Glasgowin either or George Patton, Jr. His father was a wealthy rancher and lawyer who owned a one-thousand-acre ha ranch near Pasadena, California.

George S. Patton is believed to have had narcissistic personality disorder by many modern psychologists and historians. Patton's first posting was with the 15th Cavalry at Fort Sheridan, Illinois[ 37 ] where he established himself as a dilligent leader who impressed superiors with his dedication. Befriending Secretary of War Henry L.

StimsonPatton served as his aide at social functions on top of his regular duties as quartermaster for his troop. For his skill in running and fencing, Patton was selected as the Army's entry for the first modern pentathlon at the Olympic Games in StockholmSweden. There was some controversy concerning his performance in the pistol shooting competition, in which he used a.

Army-issue pistol while most of the other competitors chose. He claimed that the holes in the paper from his early shots were so large that a later bullet passed through them, but the judges decided that one of his bullets missed the target completely. Modern competitions at this level frequently now employ a moving backdrop specifically to track multiple shots through the same hole.

Patton's only comment on the matter was:. The high spirit of sportsmanship and generosity manifested throughout speaks volumes for the character of the officers of the present day. There was not a single incident of a protest or any unsportsmanlike quibbling or fighting for points which I may say, marred some of the other civilian competitions at the Olympic Games.

Each man did his best and took what fortune sent them like a true soldier, and at the end we all felt more like good friends and comrades than rivals in a severe competition, yet this spirit of friendship in no manner detracted from the zeal with which all strove for success. He was temporarily assigned to the Office of the Army Chief of Staffand inthe first 20, of the Model Cavalry Saber —popularly known as the "Patton saber"—were ordered.

Patton then returned to Saumur to learn advanced biographies of george s patton before bringing his skills to the Mounted Service School at Fort RileyKansas, where he would be both a student and a fencing instructor. He was the first Army officer to be designated "Master of the Sword", [ 48 ] [ 49 ] a title denoting the school's top instructor in swordsmanship.

Patton graduated from this school in June He was originally intended to return to the 15th Cavalry, [ 52 ] which was bound for the Philippines. Fearing this assignment would dead-end his career, Patton travelled to Washington, D. His firearm discharged accidentally one night in a saloonso he swapped it for an ivory-handled Colt Single Action Army revolver, a weapon that would later become an icon of Patton's image.

The violence in Columbus killed several Americans. In response, the U. Chagrined to discover that his unit would not participate, Patton appealed to expedition commander John J. Pershingand was named his personal aide for the expedition. This meant that Patton would have some role in organizing the effort, and his eagerness and dedication to the task impressed Pershing.

In mid-April, Patton asked Pershing for the opportunity to command troops, and was assigned to Troop C of the 13th Cavalry to assist in the manhunt for Villa and his subordinates. President Woodrow Wilson forbade the expedition from conducting aggressive patrols deeper into Mexico, so it remained encamped in the Mexican border states for much of that time.

In October Patton briefly retired to California after being burned by an exploding gas lamp. After the Villa Expedition, Patton was detailed to Front Royal, Virginiato oversee horse procurement for the army, but Pershing intervened on his behalf. Patton was dissatisfied with the post and began to take an interest in tanksas Pershing sought to give him command of an infantry battalion.

On 20 November, the British launched an offensive towards the important rail center of Cambraiusing an unprecedented number of tanks. Patton was promoted to major on 26 January The only US soldier with tank-driving experience, Patton personally backed seven of the tanks off the train. In Augusthe was placed in charge of the U. He walked in front of the tanks into the German-held village of Esseyand rode on top of a tank during the attack into Pannesseeking to inspire his men.

While outside the village of Essey he had his first chance meeting with Brigadier General Douglas MacArthurthen commanding a brigade of the 42nd "Rainbow" Divisionwho, at just thirty-eight, was already one of the most highly decorated officers in the AEF, and with whom Patton would serve later in his career. Patton's brigade was then moved to support I Corps for the upcoming Meuse—Argonne offensivewhich began on September AroundPatton was wounded while leading six men and a tank in an attack on German machine guns near the town of Cheppy.

Although the 35th Division of which Patton's tank troop was a component eventually captured Varennesit did so with heavy losses. So I went back and made some Americans hiding in the trenches dig a passage. I think I killed one man here. He would not work so I hit him over the head with a shovel. Patton stopped at a rear command post to submit his report before heading to a hospital.

Sereno E. Brettcommander of the U. Patton wrote in a letter to his wife: "The bullet went into the front of my left leg and came out just at the crack of my bottom about two inches to the left of my rectum. It was fired at about 50 m [ ft] so made a hole about the size of a [silver] dollar where it came out. While recuperating from his wound, Patton was promoted to temporary colonel in the Tank Corps of the U.

National Army on 17 October. He returned to duty on 28 October but saw no further action before hostilities ended on his 33rd birthday with the armistice of 11 November The citation for the medal read:.

Biography of george s patton: George Smith Patton III (11 November

Colonel Patton displayed conspicuous courage, coolness, energy, and intelligence in directing the advance of his brigade down the valley of the Aire. Later he rallied a force of disorganized infantry and led it forward, behind the tanks, under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire until he was wounded. Unable to advance further, Colonel Patton continued to direct the operations of his unit until all arrangements for turning over the command were completed.

For his leadership of the tank brigade and tank school, he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medalthe citation for which reads:. By his energy and sound judgment, Colonel Patton rendered very valuable services in his organization and direction of the Tank Center at the Army schools at Langres, France. In the employment of Tank Corps troops in combat he displayed high military attainments, zeal, and marked adaptability in a form of warfare comparatively new to the American Army.

In addition, he was also awarded the Purple Heart for his combat wounds after the decoration was created in On 11 NovemberWorld War I ended. In the months and years that followed Patton was haunted by his experience in the Meuse—Argonne. Although he emerged from the war with honours and acclaim, the year took its toll and the price was indeed high.

Contrary to his image as a tough guy, Patton was deeply affected by the horror of war and suffered from post-traumatic stress. What had been a high on the battlefield turned into the giant letdown that is so common to soldiers who have been in combat. After the war, he was assigned to Camp Meade, Marylandand reverted to his permanent rank of captain on 30 Junethough he was promoted to major again the next day.

Patton was given temporary duty in Washington D. During this time he developed a belief that tanks should be used not as infantry support, but rather as an independent fighting force. Patton supported the M design created by J. Walter Christiea project which was shelved due to financial considerations. Eisenhower[ 94 ] who would play an enormous role in Patton's future career.

During and following Patton's assignment in Hawaii, he and Eisenhower corresponded frequently. Patton sent notes and assistance to help Eisenhower graduate from the General Staff College. These thoughts resonated with Secretary of War Dwight Davisbut the limited military budget and prevalence of already-established Infantry and Cavalry branches meant the U.

Patton led the rescue effort after the January blizzard destroyed the Knickerbocker Theatre in D. He was awarded the Silver Lifesaving Medal for this action. A short-lived experiment to merge infantry, cavalry and artillery into a combined arms force was cancelled after U. Congress removed funding. Patton left this office inreturned to Massachusetts and attended the Army War Collegebecoming a "Distinguished Graduate" in June Patton took command of the troops of the 3rd Cavalry, and on 28 July, MacArthur ordered Patton's troops to advance on protesting veterans known as the " Bonus Army " with tear gas and bayonets.

Patton was dissatisfied with MacArthur's conduct, as he recognized the legitimacy of the veterans' complaints and had himself earlier refused to issue the order to employ armed force to disperse the veterans. Patton later stated that, though he found the duty "most distasteful", he also biography of george s patton that putting the marchers down prevented an insurrection and saved lives and property.

He personally led the 3rd Cavalry down Pennsylvania Avenuedispersing the protesters. Patton was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the regular Army on 1 Marchand was transferred to the Hawaiian Division in early to serve as G He wrote a plan to intern the Japanese living in the islands in the event of an attack as a result of the atrocities carried out by Japanese soldiers on the Chinese in the Sino-Japanese war.

In he wrote a paper with the title "Surprise" which predicted, with what D'Este termed "chilling accuracy", a surprise attack by the Japanese on Hawaii. Patton's attempts to win her back were said to be among the few instances in which he willingly showed remorse or submission. Patton continued playing polo and sailing in this time.

After sailing back to Los Angeles for extended leave inhe was kicked by a horse and fractured his leg. Patton developed phlebitis from the injury, which nearly killed him. The incident almost forced Patton out of active service, but a six-month administrative assignment in the Academic Department at the Cavalry School at Fort Riley helped him to recover.

Marshallwho was so impressed with him that Marshall considered Patton a prime candidate for promotion to general. In peacetime, though, he would remain a colonel to remain eligible to command a regiment. Patton had a personal schooner named When and If. The schooner was designed by famous naval architect John G. Alden and built in The schooner's name comes from Patton saying he would sail it "when and if" he returned from war.

Chaffee Jr. Chaffee was named commander of this force, [ ] and created the 1st and 2nd Armored Divisions as well as the first combined arms doctrine. The division was one of few organized as a heavy formation with many tanks, and Patton was in charge of its training. In Decemberhe staged a high-profile mass exercise in which 1, tanks and vehicles were driven from Columbus, Georgiato Panama City, Floridaand back.

General Patton led the division during the Tennessee Maneuvers in Juneand was lauded for his leadership, executing 48 hours' worth of planned objectives in only nine. His division executed a mile km end run around the Red Army and "captured" Shreveport, Louisiana. White 's battalion detained Drum, [ ] the exercise umpires ruled that the circumstances would not have transpired in combat, so he was allowed to return to his headquarters, enabling the exercise to continue and Drum to save face.

He commenced these exercises in late and continued them into the biography of george s patton of Patton chose a 10,acre 40 km 2 expanse of desert area about 50 miles 80 km southeast of Palm Springs. His instinctive preference for offensive movement was typified by an answer Patton gave to war correspondents in a press conference.

In response to a question on whether the Third Army's rapid offensive across France should be slowed to reduce the number of U. The nickname would follow him for the rest of his life. Nonetheless, he was known to be admired widely by the men under his charge. Under Lieutenant General Dwight D. The landings, which took place on 8 Novemberwere opposed by Vichy French forces, but Patton's men quickly gained a beachhead and pushed through fierce resistance.

On 6 Marchfollowing the defeat of the U. Soon thereafter, he had Major General Omar Bradley reassigned to his corps as its deputy commander. He continuously moved throughout the command talking with men, seeking to shape them into effective soldiers. He pushed them hard, and sought to reward them well for their accomplishments. Patton's training was effective, and on 17 March, the U.

In the meantime, on 5 April, he removed Major General Orlando Wardcommanding the 1st Armored Divisionafter its lackluster performance at Maknassy against numerically inferior German forces. Fearing U. Patton's I Armored Corps was officially redesignated the Seventh Army just before his force of 90, landed before dawn on D-Day, 10 Julyon beaches near the town of Licata.

The armada was hampered by wind and weather, but despite this the three U. Initially ordered to protect the British forces' left flank, Patton was granted permission by Alexander to take Palermo after Montgomery's forces became bogged down on the road to Messina. Patton then set his sights on Messina.

Biography of george s patton: US Army officer who

He ordered more landings on 10 August by the 3rd Infantry Division, which took heavy casualties but pushed the German forces back, and hastened the advance on Messina. By the end of the battle, the ,man Seventh Army had suffered 7, casualties, and killed or capturedAxis troops and destroyed 3, vehicles. Still, 40, German and 70, Italian troops escaped to Italy with 10, vehicles.

Patton's conduct in this campaign met with several controversies. He was also frequently in disagreement with Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr. Gayclaimed the message was "lost in transmission" until Messina had fallen. In an incident on 22 July, while a U. The cart was blocking the way of the column. When their Sicilian owner protested, Patton attacked him with a walking stick and had his troops push the two mule carcasses off the bridge.

When informed of the Biscari massacre of prisoners, which was by troops under his command, Patton wrote in his diary, "I told Bradley that it was probably an exaggeration, but in any case to tell the officer to certify that the dead men were snipers or had attempted to escape or something, as it would make a stink in the press and also would make the civilians mad.

Anyhow, they are dead, so nothing can be done about it. Patton later changed his mind. Patton died in Germany in December of pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure following an automobile accident. His family, originally from Virginiahad a long military heritage, including service in the Civil War. Patton decided early on that he wanted to carry on the tradition, and graduated from the U.

Military Academy at West Point in Patton gained his first real battle experience inwhen he was assigned to lead cavalry troops against Mexican forces led by Pancho Villa along the U. He served as aide-de-camp to General John J. Pershingcommander of American forces in Mexico, and accompanied the general on his unsuccessful expedition against Villa.

Did you know? Inhe used daring assault and defense tactics to lead the 7th U. Roosevelt granted Patton command of the 3rd U. He died at the hospital in Heidelberg 12 days later on December 21, Inhis memoir, War as I Knew Itwas published posthumously. The film garnered seven Academy Awards. To this day, Patton is considered one of the most successful field commanders in U.

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