What Makes Gen. George Patton a Timeless American Military Icon?

Photo Credits: Illustration by Ed Vebell / Getty Images. (Resized and cropped in Canva).
Photo Credits: Illustration by Ed Vebell / Getty Images. (Resized and cropped in Canva).

Few American generals have achieved the legendary status of George Patton. Known as “Old Blood and Guts,” he made a major mark during World War II. As a bold leader who inspired steadfast loyalty, he personified the idea of leading through action. His lasting legacy still fascinates many military history enthusiasts.

So, what is it about Patton that draws Americans in? Let’s explore this further to find out.

George Patton was destined for the military

Before we can go into why George Patton is such a large part of US military legend and folklore, an overview of his service is required. From a young age, he was interested in serving his country, attending both the Virginia Military Institute and the US Military Academy West Point, from which he graduated 46 out of 103 cadets.

George Patton standing with American troops
George Patton never considered a career outside of the US military. (Photo Credit: CORBIS / Getty Images)

His first taste of combat was during the Pancho Villa Expedition – now known as the Mexican Expedition – of 1916, and he later fought for the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Not only did he help build the newly-formed US Tank Corps, he commanded troops, most notably during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

When the US entered World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Patton was given command of the 2nd Armored Division. He was then placed in control of the US Seventh Army in the Mediterranean Theater. He was involved in the invasion of Casablanca during Operation Torch and, later, the invasion of Sicily. It was during these two missions that he established himself as one of the Allied forces’ best commanders.

In the lead up to the D-Day landings, Patton was given a key role in Operation Fortitude, the Allied deception plan to mislead the German High Command. He was also given command of the US Third Army, which he led through the Allied invasion of France. During the Battle of the Bulge, his men relieved American troops at Bastogne, and embarked on a charge across the Rhine and into Germany, capturing 10,000 square miles.

Patton passed away on December 21, 1945, after suffering injuries from a car accident while stationed in Germany.

George Patton had an incredible ability to inspire his men

General George Patton was undoubtedly a polarizing figure. His flair for delivering bold, electrifying speeches energized his troops but often ruffled the feathers of some senior Allied commanders. However, Patton, forever the American general, remained unfazed. He understood what truly mattered: rallying his men for battle, and that’s where he excelled.

Patton’s soldiers didn’t just appreciate his emphasis on loyalty over intellect; they embraced his philosophy of battle: “We shall attack and attack until we are exhausted, and then we shall attack again.”

George Patton speaking with Allied war correspondents
George Patton was known for his skills as an orator, giving a number of powerful speeches to his men during the Second World War. (Photo Credit: Keystone / Getty Images)

During World War II, Patton was known for a series of stirring speeches, with the most famous being the one he gave to the Third Army before the D-Day invasion. Widely regarded by historians as one of the most powerful motivational speeches ever, Patton’s words ignited a fierce resolve in his men, urging them to confront their duties boldly and charge straight into the fray.

He led by example… From the front!

One of George Patton’s primarily philosophies when it came to leadership was to lead by example – and that’s exactly what he did while serving in Europe during WWII. He always led his men into battle, exemplifying the values and determination he expected from them.

As 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.

George Patton inspecting a line of troops
George Patton is known for being one of the best American generals during the Second World War. (Photo Credit: PhotoQuest / Getty Images)

Martin Blumenson, historian and author of Patton: The Man Behind the Legend, 1885-1945, 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.”

He personally purchased supplies for his men

George Patton was born into a prosperous family with an illustrious heritage. His lineage included an indirect connection to George Washington, Welsh aristocrats, and ties to the British monarchy. This privileged background provided him with ample financial resources for both leisure and his career endeavors.

After World War I, Patton championed the idea that the US military should enhance its investment in armored warfare, accurately foreseeing its future important role in combat. However, his advocacy faced obstacles due to a lack of interest from officials and budget constraints, hindering any major progress in preparing the American Armed Forces for this inevitable transition.

Two pages within the 1957 Sears Roebuck catalog
George Patton purchased a number of supplies for his men from the Sears Roebuck catalog, as the US military was ill-prepared for the country’s entry into World War II. (Photo Credit: Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)

When the US entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the nation was ill-prepared. Assigned to the 2nd Armored Division, Patton took it upon himself to acquire tools, supplies, and other essentials for his troops—even resorting to the Sears Roebuck catalog for purchases!

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.

US Marine standing atop an M46 Patton
The M46 Patton was the first American tank to be named for George Patton. (Photo Credit: MSGT. J.W. HAYES / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

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.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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