Posted on 04/30/2008 1:20:52 PM PDT by devane617
Patton has a reputation as a ruthless bruiser who would hit you with everything he had.
In reality, he was a master of the tactical advance and bypassed many more enemy units than he ever fought head on.
His goal was to get in the enemy's rear as quickly as possible with as intact a force as possible - a operational plan that on several occasions almost brought US strategy to near ruin.
Had he been enveloped when he had gotten too far ahead of his supply lines, it would have been disastrous.
Of course von Rundstedt would name Patton: Patton personally defeated him.
He would naturally think that if he had been beaten, it was only because he had been beaten by the very best there was.
I don't know much about Patton but I do know he only observed the use of tanks by British forces at Cambrai, France, in December 1917. "He and his men achieved victory " wasn't part of the victory.
I believe Patton is in the background of that photo with Pershing and Pancho Villa.
I read in one biography of Patton that in France during WWI, he was standing close to Douglas MacArthur. An enemy artillery round landed within a few yards of them, and thankfully, it was a dud. Picture WWII without Patton and MacArthur.
Patton and Macarthur were walking around when an artillery barrage began. Everyone except those two dived for shelter. They walked around nonchalantly not wanting to be the first to seek shelter. A round landed very close, Patton winced and shuddered (as any normal human being would) and Macarthur the imperturable commented “Don’t worry George, You won’t even feel the one that gets you.” They hated each ever since.
“get in the enemy rear as quickly as possible”
“WE’RE GOING TO HOLD ON TO HIM BY THE NOSE, AND WE’RE GOING TO KICK HIM IN THE ASS!!”
Someone posted that Patton had then what would be an unbounded luxury today: to be able to concentrate on practicing the military arts and nothing else (leave the paper pushing to your staff, that’s what they’re there for).
An amazing officer and field commander. His son LTG George S. Patton III distinguished himself in Vietnam, as well.
bump
Both Gen. Patton and Zsa Zsa got into trouble for slapping an officer.
Patton didn’t slap an officer—it was a cowardly enlisted man.
“Patton decided during childhood that his goal in life was to become a hero.”
Goal? I’d rather thought he’d considered it his destiny. There is a difference. I think he also considered it his history....sorta.
You are right. They were privates. There were several incidents.
A point of honor I’m ever grateful for; I served in the 4th Armored Division. Not that I accomplished great things, but it’s a source of pride, nontheless.
Cool....that’s interesting because I’m focusing on military history in the Asia-Pacific region for the next few weeks. Reading Jules Roy’s account of Dien Bien Phu now.
Please let me know what you think of Frank’s Guadalcanal once you finish reading it.
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