Life and Times of General George S. Patton

¶ … General George S. Patton:

General George Smith Patton who was born in November 11, 1885 is arguably one of the most sophisticated military men in history. General Patton is renowned for possessing pistols with handles made of ivory and for his immoderate manner. His success and popularity is attributed to his tendency to constantly strive in ensuring that his troops obtain training to the highest possible standard of excellence. As a result, his life is an example to many military men in the United States and across the globe because of his dedication and commitment to excellence. Patton's work and success in the military field can be traced back to his childhood when he decided that his main goal in life is to become a hero. Generally, Patton is one of the most brilliant soldiers in the United States who was inspiring, audacious, and unconventional. He is credited for leading his troops to great victories in several wars in Sicily, North Africa, and the Western Front.

Patton's Early Life:

On November 11, 1885 in San Gabriel, California, George Smith Patton was born and grew up with a commitment to become a war hero. The General's dedication to being a hero was informed by the countless stories he heard about his ancestor's victories in the Civil War and the American Revolution. In order to fulfill his ambition and follow the footsteps of his ancestors, Patton enrolled in Virginia Military Institute in 1904. In 1905, he joined the country's military academy situated at West Point and graduated four years later ("George Patton Biography," n.d.). He married his childhood friend, Beatrice Ayer, a year after graduating from the military academy.

Some of his major childhood achievements include his excellent performance in the fencing portion during the 1912 Stockholm Olympics where he competed in the Pentathlon and was placed fifth overall. After his success in the Stockholm Olympics, he took lessons on French sword drills at the French Calvary School. One year later, he taught swordsmanship at Kansas Mounted Service School after being ordered to the position of Master of the Sword. While he was graced with sword while still a student at the school, he was renowned for being an accident prone young man. Some people believe that the skull injury he sustained in his 20s could have resulted in his nonstop cursing and explosive anger.

Patton's Military Life:

General Patton's first actual exposure to war took place at a time he was serving as one of the legendary General Pershing's staff in a Mexican expedition ("Biography," n.d.). This exposure involved leading cavalry tours of duty along the Mexican border and in opposition to Poncho Villa at Fort Bliss. General John Pershing was impressed by Patton's decision to take personal responsibility to shoot Julio Cardenas, the Mexican leader in the Columbus Battle. His success in this expedition contributed to his promotion to captain by Pershing who also invited him to lead his headquarters troop upon returning from the Mexican expedition.

During the First World War in 1917, General George Smith Patton became the first officer to be allotted to the U.S. Tank Corps until 1920 when the Corps was abolished. He not only total command of the Corps but also developed concepts, guided processes, and even influence the design of their uniforms. After achieving victory with his troops in the Battle of Cambrai in France, Patton established himself as one of the major tank warfare experts. He brilliantly maneuvered approximately 350 tanks and took a bullet in the leg during this battle through which he received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism. This was one of the medals he collected during his lifetime in military service.

The peak of General George S. Patton military career occurred during World War II when he used defense techniques and audacious assault to lead the 7th American army to victory at the Sicilian invasion in 1943. He was then granted command of the 3rd United States Army by President Eisenhower in 1944, which swept across France by capturing every town. One year later, Patton led his army to cross the Rhine and entered into the heart of Germany where they captured 10,000 miles within 10 days. This was a major breakthrough in capturing an enemy's territory and releasing Germany from the Nazi's. Patton's success in liberating Germany by the end of the Second World War was followed by assuming command of the 15th Army in the American-occupied Germany.

Patton's Death and Legacy:

General George S. Patton died 12 days while receiving treatment in a hospital after sustaining injuries from an automobile accident where he broke his neck. He was later buried among the soldiers who lost their lives in Luxembourg's Battle of the Bulge.

Patton's memoir was published in 1970 and is considered as one of the most brilliant and sophisticated army commanders in the United States. He is remembered for his great soldierly qualities that were accompanied by the most colorful personalities ("Patton's Career A Brilliant One," 2010). In addition to being an expert of unprintable brand of eloquence, Patton sometimes created phrases that will forever remain in the traditions of the United States Army.