George S. Patton, before the Battle of Nancy, France, 1944.
George Smith Patton, Jr. (1885-1945) was an American Army officer who was an important general for the United States during World War II. Known for his brilliant tactical skills and bold, brash personality, General Patton played a significant role in leading the Allies to victory.
George S. Patton was born on November 11, 1885 in San Gabriel, California to a wealthy family. He attended the Virginia Military Institution, later graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1909 and joining the cavalry. During the First World War, he was the first officer detailed to the Tank Corps, and in the postwar years moved quickly up the ranks in the armored branch. Never one for playing politics, Patton's was often mixed up in controversy, despite his successful military record. Contemporaries often found him his profane language and actions to be offensive. Despite this, he was hard-working, intelligent, courageous and one of the most impressive tactical commanders of his time. For slideshow, please click this link. |
Resources
The Official Website of General George S. Patton This website is sponsored by the Estate of George S. Patton and gives a brief biography, along with pictures and quotes from the general. New York Times Obituary, December 22, 1945 This is a copy of the obituary published in the New York Times. The article is housed by the "NYT's Learning Network" and goes into significant detail of the life and military career of General Patton. History Channel Biography This resource is from the History Channel. It includes a brief biography of General Patton and also links to relevant video and audio clips. American Heritage: Ike's Son Remember's General Patton Published in American Heritage, this is an article written by Dwight D. Eisenhower's son in remembrance of George S. Patton. |
General Patton was extremely proud of being a part of the military, and expected his soldiers to look the part, as he himself did.
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Map of Patton's 3rd Army's campaign in Europe, 1944-1945
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General Patton on the cover of Time Magazine, April 9, 1945.
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During World War II, Patton led the American forces that landed in Casablanca, Morocco in November of 1942 as part of Operation Torch. Under General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Patton successfully helped lead the Allied forces to several victories. After a successful campaign in North Africa, he led the 7th Army in the invasion of Sicily. He soon became famous for his daring assaults, rapid marches, and use of armor (Encyclopedia of World Biographies). He did, however, spark controversy when he slapped a hospitalized American soldier suffering from "shell shock," accusing him of cowardice.
After a successful campaign in Italy, General Eisenhower, now in charge of all Allied troops, gave Patton command of the 3rd Army in August of 1944. General Patton's unrelenting onslaught against the Germans in France, along with his colorful personality and famous pearl-handled pistols made him a national hero. By March of 1945, Patton crossed into Germany and by the end of war had driven all the way to Austria.
After a successful campaign in Italy, General Eisenhower, now in charge of all Allied troops, gave Patton command of the 3rd Army in August of 1944. General Patton's unrelenting onslaught against the Germans in France, along with his colorful personality and famous pearl-handled pistols made him a national hero. By March of 1945, Patton crossed into Germany and by the end of war had driven all the way to Austria.
After World War II Patton was placed in charge of the Allied occupation forces in Bavaria. Always the soldier, Patton had a difficult time adjusting to the postwar world; upon the surrender of the Japanese he was quoted as saying, "Yet another war has come to an end, and with it my usefulness in the world." Once again, Patton's unfiltered statements got him into trouble, especially his comments liking Democrats and Republicans to Nazis. Because of these controversies, his long time friend Eisenhower relieved him from command on September 28, 1945.
General George S. Patton died on December 21, 1945 as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident twelve days earlier. He is remembered as a colorful, yet controversial military leader who had great successes, was a great inspiration to his men and a patriot. |
Patton inspecting the troops in the European Theater in 1944.
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The topic was researched and website page created by Katelyn Ross.
Ms. Ross is a teacher at Mount View High School in Thorndike, ME
and can be reached by email: [email protected]
Ms. Ross is a teacher at Mount View High School in Thorndike, ME
and can be reached by email: [email protected]