To understand war you must understand its heroes, which is why I want to delve into the life of General George S. Patton. Patton was one of the greatest military minds in American history. Patton was born on November 11, 1885 in San Marino, California to George S. Patton Sr. and his wife Ruth Wilson. As a small boy Patton read military tactic and history books, he was addicted to battle, even as a little boy. Coming from a family that had a lot of military background he grew up hearing stories of adventure, battle and the courageous deeds of men. His family members served in the military for years playing key roles in the Civil War and battles throughout American history. He came from a long family line of United States Generals and knew, that’s what he would do some day. Nights spent in front of a fire, listening to old war stories instilled a longing and desire in the boy to become a hero. Patton would get his chance to do just that.
In 1909 Patton graduated from Virginia Military Institution and enrolled in the United States Military Academy. He participated in the 1912 summer Olympics in the first-ever (modern) pentathlon. He finished fifth overall doing well in all competitions except for shooting where he used a .33 caliber pistol, while the majority of his adversaries used .22 caliber pistols. He made the team and was invited to the next summer Olympics in 1916 but they were cancelled due to World War I.
After the 1912 Olympics Patton traveled to Europe in search Adjutant M. Clèry a Master-Swordsmen in the French Army. Upon returning he was made the Army’s youngest “Master of the Sword.” He then became a instructor at Fort Riley, Kansas where he modernized the cavalry’s fencing techniques and even helped in the design of the Model 1913 Cavalry Saber. Now-and-days its known as the ‘Patton Saber’ because it does not steal any other swords model.
Patton didn’t make his true debut until World War I, at the beginning of the war he was promoted to Captain but by the end he had been promoted four more times to a full Colonel for his raw determination and the great work he did training men in the art of tank warfare. He was given command of the 1st Provisional tank brigade, which was never considered a military unit because it only preformed specific military operations, not given to the masses. At the end of the war Patton was wounded while leading a unit into battle, he received medals for his bravery including a Purple Heart.
This takes us up to World War II where he commanded the U.S. Third Army and gained much renown as a general. Patton fought brilliantly in many of the biggest battles of the war using his wit to prepare his army both mentally and physically. He lead the North African campaign, the Sicily campaign and numerous others campaigns into European countries under Nazi control. Under his leadership the Third Army, “advanced farther, captured more enemy prisoners, and liberated more territory in less time than any other army in military history”(wiki). Hands-down one of the greatest military minds in history he was feared by all of his enemies, Hitler himself was heard on several occasions calling Patton, “the most dangerous man the allies have”, and “the crazy cowboy general.” Many German officers knew him as none other then, ‘the best they have.’
After the war he came back to the states and was known as a hero, the one thing Patton had always strove for. On December 9, 1945 Patton got in a car crash and was rushed to the hospital. Two days later he died of pulmonary embolism in a military hospital, although he not die in battle he will forever be remembered for his cunning and military might as general.
