George Patton is one of the most distinguished American generals in US history, earning the moniker, “Old Blood and Guts.” His prominence reached its zenith during the Second World War, when he showed himself to be a leader whom his troops could rally behind, consistently exhibiting leadership through personal example. The lasting impact of his legacy continues to captivate the admiration of military enthusiasts, drawn to his exceptional talent and skill.
George Patton was destined for the military
To comprehend why George Patton has become an integral figure in the legend and folklore of the US military, you must first provide an overview of his service. With an early interest in serving his country, the young Patton attended both the Virginia Military Institute and the US Military Academy West Point, where he graduated 46 out of 103 cadets.
Experiencing his first taste of combat during the Pancho Villa Expedition – later recognized as the Mexican Expedition – in 1916, Patton went on to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Not only did he contribute to the formation of the newly-established US Tank Corps, but he also led troops and was notably distinguished for his roles in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
Upon the US entry into World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Patton assumed command of the 2nd Armored Division. He then took charge of the US Seventh Army in the Mediterranean Theater, playing a crucial role in the invasion of Casablanca during Operation Torch and, later, in the invasion of Sicily.
It was during these missions that he solidified his reputation as one of the finest commanders within the Allied forces.
In the prelude to the D-Day landings, Patton played a pivotal role in Operation Fortitude, the Allied deception plan designed to confound the German High Command. Simultaneously, he assumed command of the US Third Army, leading it through the Allied invasion of France. Notably, during the Battle of the Bulge, his forces relieved American troops at Bastogne and undertook a vigorous advance across the Rhine into Germany, securing an impressive 10,000 square miles.
Tragically, Patton passed away on December 21, 1945, succumbing to injuries sustained in a car accident while stationed in Germany.
He led by example… From the front!
A fundamental principle of George Patton’s philosophy was to lead through personal example, a principle he steadfastly adhered to during his service in Europe in WWII. Consistently taking the lead in combat, he embodied the values and determination he demanded from his men.
Author Alan Axelrod once wrote, “[Patton’s] message was never we must succeed but always we will succeed.” This inspired many military officers who came after him and influenced US strategy following his death.
Martin Blumenson, historian and author of Patton: The Man Behind the Legend, 1885-1945, probably said it best:
“Patton epitomized the fighting soldier in World War II. He exercised unique leadership by his ability to obtain the utmost – some would say more than the maximum – response from American combat troops. Through his charisma, exemplified by a flamboyant and well-publicized image, he stimulated, better than any other high-ranking U.S. army commander, American troops to an aggressive desire to close with and destroy the enemy.
“He personified the offensive spirit, the ruthless drive, and the will for victory in battle.”
George Patton had an incredible ability to inspire his men
If there’s one characteristic that defines George Patton, it’s his penchant for controversy. Renowned for his attention-grabbing – and sometimes vulgar – speeches, Patton’s approach resonated with his troops, but garnered less favor from higher-ups in the Allied command. Unfazed by this, the American general recognized the importance of inspiring his men, understanding that their allegiance was crucial for success on the battlefield – a loyalty his soldiers willingly gave.
Not only were troops a fan of his loyalty over brilliance motto, they were taken in by his philosophy of battle: “We shall attack and attack until we are exhausted, and then we shall attack again.”
During the Second World War, Patton delivered several speeches, with the most renowned being the one he gave to the US Third Army before the Allied invasion of France in 1944. Widely regarded by historians as one of the greatest motivational speeches ever, Patton utilized his exceptional oratory skills to implore his soldiers to fulfill their duty amidst danger and to advance with an assertive and aggressive spirit.
He personally purchased supplies for his men
George Patton was born into a wealthy family with an impressive lineage. Not only did he have an indirect connection to George Washington, his ancestry included Welsh aristocrats and ties to the British monarchy. That’s all to say he had a lot of extra funds at his disposal, for both pleasure and work.
Following the First World War, Patton pushed for the US military to increase its investment in armored warfare, (correctly) believing it was where combat was heading. However, his efforts were in vain, as a lack of interest from officials and budget constraints meant little could be done to equip the American Armed Forces for this inevitability.
Sure enough, when the US entered the Second World War following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the country was ill-prepared. Upon being assigned to the 2nd Armored Division, Patton took it upon himself to purchase tools, supplies and other necessities for his troops – from the Sears Roebuck catalog, of all places!
George Patton helped develop modern tank warfare
As aforementioned, George Patton played a role in the development of the US Army’s Tank Corps during the First World War. He spoke with experts about design, repair and operation, and even observed the British Army’s first large-scale use of tanks during the Battle of Cambrai in late 1917.
All this led him to establish the American Expeditionary Forces’ Light Tank School in Langres, France. Following this, he led America’s first use of tanks in combat at the Battle of Saint-Miheil, which resulted in a victory over the German forces.
Following the war, Patton was given command of a cavalry squadron. During this time, he advocated for the continued switch from horses to tanks, and urged the US Army to adapt cavalry shock tactics. He even went so far as to write his own manual on tank operations, to make the transition process even more smooth.
Throughout WWII, Patton was often found leading his men from a tank, and his involvement in the development of modern tank warfare is arguably his most enduring legacy. In fact, he had such an impact on US military strategy when it came to tanks that a number were named for him following his death.
The first tank to be given the Patton name was the M46, an M26 Pershing equipped with an improved transmission and engine, as well as a new gun. It saw action during the Korean War, where it held its own against the North Korean-manned T-34. This was followed by the M47, which was essentially an M46 with a new turret. Classified as a main battle tank (MBT), it saw service with the US Army, the US Marine Corps, NATO and SEATO.
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The M48 was the first Patton tank to be built from the ground up, improving upon the M47’s defense capabilities, fuel efficiency and mobility. It served with the US during the Vietnam War, acting in an infantry support role, before being replaced by the M60. Never officially given the Patton name, the tank featured explosive reactive armor, which helped its success during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Operation Urgent Fury and the Gulf War.
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