George Patton
George Patton
George S. Patton III was one of the most colorful American military leaders of the 20th century. George Patton was an American general in World War Two and known to be one of the most controversial, he was known to be a daring, bold, and unconventional military commander. George Pattons highest ranking in the military was Lieutenant General, which is 3 stars; he may possibly be the most written about American general. He remains to this day a much loved and discussed figure from American history.
George S. Patton (1885-1945), also known as “Georgie”, was born to a family with an army tradition; his grandfather had been killed in a Civil War battle. Georgie spent his childhood listening to stories of military heroes, when he was 10 years old he decided that he wanted to grow up to be a famous general. He attended West Point Military Academy but was forced to leave due to poor test results (because of a learning disability) but reinstated and graduated, he won a commission in the cavalry. Patton immediately joined the army after graduating, eager to fulfill his dream.
Between the two world wars, Patton held various command posts and staff positions. During WWI, Patton took advantages of new weapons and organized an American task force; he was a bold strategist and fought well. Patton had been through injuries on the battlefield but endured and for it earned two medals. When given command he got units into shape and even though brilliant and gifted in warfare, he repeatedly got into trouble. Patton worked closely with Eisenhower for some time, mostly as a follower. Lieutenant Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower had a close friendship with Patton for about 25 years because they both recognized the brilliant military mind of the other, the spent hundreds of hours planning the armored warfare that would be used in the wars to come. Eisenhower and Patton organized Operation Torch and dealt with the Bonus Army together.
Patton played a key role in the use of armor after the successful landings at D-Day. During World War II he served in North Africa and Sicily before becoming the commander of the Third Army. Pattons reputation was hurt by charges