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Fact File
Student Activities
Summary
- Early Life and Military Career
- Participation in World War II
- Later Life and Death
Key Facts And Information
Let’s find out more about George Patton!
George S. Patton is one of the most famous military figures who served as an American General who served the US Army during World War II. As a military commander, In 1942, Patton commanded American forces in Operation Torch, an invasion of Casablanca that took place in the Mediterranean. George Patton is recognised by many for his primary military strategy, his strong-mindedness in the military field, and his assertive and stringent leadership, which partly paved the way for his legendary status in military history.
EARLY LIFE AND MILITARY CAREER
- George Smith Patton Jr. was born on 11 November 1885 in San Gabriel, California, into a family with a military background. His father was George Smith Patton Sr., a lawyer and an officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. The Pattons had been in the army since the American Revolutionary War. An early motivation towards the military was cultivated as a result of hearing stories about his ancestors’ heroism including his grandfather who was a Confederate General in the Civil War.
- The education system that Patton received was tailored to prepare him to become a soldier.
- He spent one year at the Virginia Military Institute before joining the United States Military Academy at West Point.
- In his years at West Point, Patton became recognised as a disciplined leader and a fierce competitor.
- However, he displayed poor performance in academics which was apparent in his poor performance in mathematics while he performed well in physical activities and military drills.
- Patton was also an athlete and was able to compete in the Sweden Olympics of 1912 in the modern pentathlon. This consisted of shooting, fencing, swimming, horseback riding, and running and seemed to culminate in a competition for a soldier, Patton did fairly well having come 5th. Participation in the Olympic Games proves his flexibility, physical fitness, and competitive spirit which he took to his military career. Patton’s experience in fencing especially influenced him to develop the M1913 Cavalry Saber, often referred to as the ‘Patton Saber’ where Patton believed in aggressive offences during the war.
- As a young officer, Patton was posted to the Cavalry where he developed significant horsemanship and passion for transforming the cavalry forces. His first exposure to war was in 1916 in the Mexican campaign conducted by General John J. Pershing. During the mission to capture Pancho Villa in Mexico, Patton proved himself to be a courageous and innovative officer. He led a successful raid against a Villa-affiliated group, proving his leadership and generalship.
- World War I provided Patton with the opportunity to further prove his military skills. He was assigned to the newly formed Tank Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces, where he became a passionate advocate for the use of tanks in combat. Patton understood the potential of tanks and saw them as a way out of the trench warfare that dominated much of WWI. He established the American Tank School in Bourg, France, where he trained tank crews and developed tactics for their use in battle. His leadership and innovative thinking earned him a reputation as a pioneer of armoured warfare.
- In the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of 1918, Patton commanded his tank brigade in direct combat showing that tanks could aid the infantry and penetrate enemy defences. Patton was shot by a machine gun but he did not leave the field until he was assured that his soldiers were secure and the ambush was effective. His courage and commitment to his men were appreciated, and he received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart.
- Between the wars, Patton remained an active soldier and proceeded with his work towards armoured warfare. He also was a graduate of Command and General Staff College, located in Leavenworth and the Army War College, where he honed his strategic planning skills. Patton was promoted from one assignment to another, and as an instructor, he championed the cause for the growth of the tank forces. His attempts to revolutionise the US Army practices in the armour division were encountered with the opposition of conservatives in the Military, but he stood his ground for his intended role in the upcoming world war.
PARTICIPATION IN WORLD WAR II
- George S. Patton's role in World War II is marked by his aggressive tactics, rapid manoeuvres, and effective use of armoured forces. His participation began in earnest with the North African Campaign, where he took command of the U.S. II Corps in March 1943 after the American forces suffered a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Kasserine Pass. The arrival of Patton changed the situation; he set discipline and high standards for his troops. He immediately established discipline and organisation among the American troops and laid the basis for further victories against the Axis powers in North Africa.
- During his stay at the command of the U. S. II Corps, Patton managed to win the Battle of El Guettar, where his forces defeated a German counterattack. This victory not only boosted the morale of the American troops but also gave Patton a great example of how cavalry could motivate and lead men in battle. He was an active leader most of the time he would visit the front lines which made him gain the support of his soldiers.
- After the victory in the North African Campaign, Patton was assigned to head the Seventh United States Army in Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. The attack started on the 9th of July 1943, and the Americans led by Patton gained the upper hand against the Italians and Germans.
- In his usual aggressive manner, Patton directed his men to move swiftly so that he could check the German troops and secure valuable ground. His decision to move towards Palermo, and then to Messina was risky and gave him an advantage over his superiors and archenemy British General Bernard Montgomery.
- During the Sicily Campaign, Patton was involved in two incidents of slapping soldiers who had been suffering from battle fatigue and accused them of cowardice which was not a good representation of him. The incidents elicited public and military fury, and Patton was temporarily relieved of his command and reprimanded by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Patton was known for his great fighting ability and was courageous and effective in warfare; however he lacked tolerance for the perceived weakness of his soldiers and had a quick temper, hence the military hero was controversial.
- In 1944, George Patton was assigned command of the newly-formed Third United States Army, where he would excel in some of the most vital campaigns of the conflict.
- After the Normandy landings, Patton’s Third Army was let loose on the German forces in the operation codenamed Cobra and the breakout from the Normandy bridgehead.
- Armoured divisions of Patton had been able to expand the breaking points made in the German front and this enabled the advancement across France.
- His tactical and strategic flexibility and the ability to act fast and gain the initiative over the Germans caught them off guard and helped to free significant parts of France.
- In World War II, Patton contributed most effectively to the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. This became evident when the Germans launched a surprise attack on the Ardennes and penetrated through the Allies’ line, creating what is referred to as the ‘bulge’. One of the most dramatic moments in the war was the movement of Patton's Third Army northward which required turning 90 degrees and moving over 100 miles in deep and frosty snow to relieve the surrounding town of Bastogne. His intervention was timely and this force halted the German menace and turned the tide in the battle and the war.
- Patton’s Third Army expanded on the German territory, they crossed the Rhine River and gained deeper into Germany’s thrust. His drive towards Berlin was hindered by some of the commands from the Allied high command who decided to let the Soviet forces capture Berlin.
- Nonetheless, the efforts attributed to Patton played an important role in the Nazi Germany’s defeat. His aggressive tactics, emphasis on mobility, and ability to inspire his troops made him one of the most effective commanders of the war. By the time the war in Europe ended in May 1945, Patton had solidified his reputation as a master of armoured warfare and a leader who could achieve decisive victories.
LATER LIFE AND DEATH
- The end of World War II proved to be a difficult period for George S. Patton. After defeating Nazi Germany, Patton had to move from the military dominance phase to the phase of occupying and rebuilding nations – roles that were not quite fitting for him. After being demoted, Patton was designated as the military governor of Bavaria where he was supposed to supervise the process of denazification and decentralisation of the region. However, his approach to these duties was marked by controversy. Patton was openly critical of the denazification policies imposed by the Allied authorities, which aimed to remove former Nazi members from positions of power and influence.
- Patton clashed with his commanding officers and the US government over his soft policy towards former Nazis, whom he deemed indispensable to control and rebuild Germany. He considered the measures taken against former Nazis as too severe and bureaucratic, as they hampered the proper governance of occupied Germany. His outspoken views, combined with his abrasive personality, led to tensions with other Allied officials, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces. Patton’s comments to the press, which described denazification as a purge, further strained relations and led to calls for his removal from command.
- Patton was relieved of his post as the military governor of Bavaria in October 1945 and given a minor field command of the Fifteenth United States Army, focused on documenting the history of the European Theatre of Operations.
- This reassignment was seen as a demotion, and Patton viewed it as a sign that his active military career was effectively over. Patton did not change his mind about his obligations and was busy gathering records and reports on the war.
- Yet, he was dissatisfied with the political situation after the war and had no substantial victorious command as well.
- Patton’s stance after the war could also be attributed to his strong anti-Communist disposition. He expressed his opinion that the Soviet Union was a major threat and that the West must take a more aggressive stance against the Soviets. Patton wanted to arm the defeated Germans to balance the notorious Soviet impact in Europe; this idea was the opposite of the general Allied strategy of cooperation with the USSR.
- Tragedy struck on 9 December 1945, when Patton was involved in a car accident near Mannheim, Germany. Patton was on his way to a hunting trip when the car he was in had an accident with a military truck. He was left with a broken neck and other damages to the spinal cord thus being paralyzed from the neck down after the accident. Unfortunately, his health continued to worsen over the next few days despite the assistance of medical professionals. Patton remained lucid and conscious, but his injuries were too severe for recovery. On 21 December 1945, George S. Patton died from a pulmonary embolism, a complication of his injuries.
- Patton was buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, with other soldiers who fought under his leadership during the war. His grave turned into a shrine for the people who respected him as a commander and a man who helped the Allies win World War II. Patton’s legacy as a military commander is characterised by his innovative use of armoured warfare, his ability to inspire and lead men in battle, and his unyielding belief in the importance of discipline and aggression in achieving victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was George Patton?
George S. Patton was a prominent US Army general during World War II. He played key roles in several major campaigns, including the invasion of North Africa and the Battle of the Bulge.
- What was the "slapping incident"?
In 1943, Patton was involved in a controversial incident where he slapped a soldier suffering from battle fatigue in a field hospital, which led to a temporary suspension from command and sparked significant public and media backlash.
- What is Patton’s legacy?
Patton is remembered as one of the most effective and controversial military leaders in American history. His tactics and leadership style are studied in military academies, and he remains a figure of fascination due to his complex personality and views.