[devane617]

One of the greatest American Generals, who has NO comparison in today's America. I thought it would be nice to remind everyone of a true hero.

[unkus]

I have read practically everything available on this great man. Thank you for posting.

[markman46]

Patton bump

[wideawake]

One of the greatest American Generals, who has NO comparison in today's America.

You don't need to give contemporary US commanders the back hand in order to praise Patton.

[LS]

Patton, in one field exercise, took his tanks completely around the flank of the "enemy" lines and was upbraided for not "playing by the rules." He later (contrary to popular perceptions) would avoid heavy contact with the enemy by constantly by-passing strongpoints such as Metz and cutting the enemy off.

His romanticized "quick thrust" into Germany however, portrayed in the movie as some kind of Monty/Ike conspiracy, was in fact a plan for disaster. The "red ball express" was already exhausted and couldn't be pushed one mile further. We HAD to have closer bases for supplies, and had Patton's view carried, he would have ended up perhaps inside Germany, but cut off, surrounded, and without supplies.

[theDentist]

Another thing about Patton: he was dyslexic in his youth, and spent many evenings to the early morning hours reading and understanding his lessons.

[Sen Jack S. Fogbound]

I recall an interview given with General von Rundstedt of the German Army after the WWII.

In response to a question “Who do you think is the best General in the WWII?”.

His answer: General George Patton, Jr. He is the very best Battlefield Commander!

[buck jarret]

Pop quiz: what did Patton have in common with Zsa Zsa Gabor?

[caver]

Thanks for posting! I knew most of this but still enjoy reading about a real man and soldier.

[Kimmers]

Thank you for this post and what a great website.....

[batmast]

Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness,
to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend.
Grant us fair weather for Battle.
Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that,
armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory,
and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies
and establish Thy justice among men and nations.
-by Msgr. James H. O’Neill12/8/1944 (the Chief Chaplain of the Third Army throughout the five campaigns on the Staff of General Patton)
http://www.pattonhq.com/prayer.html

[45Auto]

Patton's speech to Third Army Third Army Speech

[Snowyman]

Along with the British tankers, he and his men achieved victory at Cambrai, France, during the world's first major tank battle in 1917.

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.

[SF Republican]

I believe Patton is in the background of that photo with Pershing and Pancho Villa.

[billorites]

His son, Gen. George S. Patton III, had quite the career of his own.

[VOA]

bump

[Virulas]

L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace.

[TalBlack]

“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.

[indcons]

To all: please ping me to threads that are relevant to the MilHist list (and/or) please add the keyword "MilHist" to the appropriate thread. Thanks in advance.

Please FREEPMAIL indcons if you want on or off the "Military History (MilHist)" ping list.

On an unrelated (or possibly related) note, fellow pingee FReeper "patton" is a founding member of the Military History ping list. :)

[bcsco]

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.

[colorado tanker]

Patton commanded the Seventh Army until 1944, when he was given command of the Third Army in France

Patton was relieved of command of Seventh Army, but not named ground commander for the Normandy invasion. He was kept on tenterhooks and eventually was given the shadow army in S.E. England intended to make the Germans think the invasion would be at Pas de Calais (which it would have been had Patton gotten his way).

As Operation Cobra was being planned, the breakout attack out of the bocage, Patton was given Third Army.