The history of each country always keeps the names of great military figures who, one way or another, influenced the course of military events. Each of them remains part of their homeland. Thus, George S. Patton (Jr.) is forever inscribed in US history.
Ancestors
Before talking about who Officer Patton was, it's worth saying a few words about his no less famous ancestor. George Patton - the grandfather of the "younger" - at one time also served for the benefit of his homeland. During the Civil War, he was the commander of an infantry regiment. It is obvious that the courage of the grandfather and his activities directly influenced the future of his grandson. It cannot be ruled out that the father of the younger Patton was an officer, so the boy was provided with an army education.
The beginning of life's journey
A boy was born in 1885 in California. His father - George Smith Patton, was a lawyer, a retired officer. For a long time, the "junior" was homeschooled. At the age of 11, he went to school, where he studied for another 6 years. At this time, he begins to get involved in military literature and is preparing to become a real general.
While it was necessary to wait until the implementation of the plan,Patton calmly studied first at the military institute, then at the West Point academy. Already by 1913 he became a cavalry lieutenant.
World War I
By America's membership in World War I, George Patton was promoted to captain. His main task was to command a tank corps. Now it is not known exactly what he did. There is evidence that he was a full commander, it is also possible that he was only an observer. The first American tanks entered combat in 1917.
The next year, the future general was wounded for the first time. This happened at Saint-Michel, where he was trying to get help for a group of tanks. The bullet went through the upper gluteal muscle. A few years later, Patton would often brag about this "military achievement."
For all the actions that the officer did during the First World War, he was promoted first to major, then to lieutenant colonel. The tank corps he commanded eventually became part of the First US Army. Also included in George's collection are the Distinguished Service Medal and Cross, the rank of colonel, and the Purple Heart medal.
Blood Bounty
The injury that Patton received in 1918 was the reason for his award. The Purple Heart badge is an American award given to those who have been wounded or killed in action by the enemy.
It began to be awarded back in 1782. At first, three servicemen received this award, and no one received the medal until 1861. Since this year, the “Medal of Honor” has been approved, whichwas taller than Purple Heart.
A full-fledged renewal of this award took place only in 1932. This was done in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the medal, J. Washington. At first, it was awarded for military merit, including for being wounded. Later, only combat injuries were taken into account.
Between two fires
Immediately after the end of the First World War, George Patton, whose biography was just beginning, was demoted to captain. Meeting Dwight Eisenhower led to them becoming friends. Then the captain could not know that this acquaintance would lead him to the great heights of military affairs.
At this time, he begins to work on improving the effectiveness of America's tank system. At first, he tries to knock out finances to increase the power of the tank corps, but is defeated. Further, he writes articles in which he talks about new tactics and tank building. His activities do not attract any attention, and he returns to his former place of work.
World War II
During the Second World War, General Patton did a lot for his country. While America waited to enter the conflict, George calmly commanded an armored division. When Mexico became a supporter of the USSR in 1924, Patton knew that Japan might soon strike. In just a couple of days, he was able to organize his army to defend the country from invasion. But such an event bypassed Mexico, and the Japanese left their mark on the Aleutian Islands.
The next event, which Patton took already as a major general, was the dispatch to Morocco. The events that took place here made him a lieutenant general and commander of the Second Corps of the US Armed Forces. In North Africa, the soldier showed himself as a strict commander. Under his command, each soldier was accustomed to strict discipline, which later helped in the fighting.
Then followed the events in Sicily, where they managed to capture the capital - Palermo, and take a big step to the east. Then there were events in Normandy, where Patton decided to try the German blitzkrieg tactics and in just 2 weeks he was able to walk 600 miles. The capital of France was liberated, and the general, with his aggressive tactics, achieved tremendous success.
The last step in the end of World War II was the offensive in the Ardennes. The already experienced and wise General Patton was able to turn the fighting in favor of the allies of the anti-Hitler coalition. The Germans retreated, and George "walked" across Europe, freeing Europe from occupation.
A bitter injustice
Not a single wound in Patton's entire military career could bring him closer to death. But the day before the general would have been at home, he was overtaken by a car accident. A severe head wound in a collision between a Cadillac and a truck became fatal for the commander. He died 12 days later of an embolism. His wife was by his side the whole time. The great commander was buried in Luxembourg.
The General's Cruelty: Myth or Reality
Howhistory shows that many of the words and deeds of George Patton were fatal. He was repeatedly condemned for his cruel attitude, as well as racism. So, after expressing hatred on a national basis, his words led to the Biskar massacre, where US soldiers killed 76 Germans who were in captivity.
Another important event that can characterize the general was the incident with Private Bennett. Patton was outraged that the private was in the hospital without visible wounds. In our time, he would have received a diagnosis of post-traumatic shock, but then it was called only nervous exhaustion. Approaching Bennett's bunk, the general asked about his he alth, to which he replied that he was naughty, he heard the shells flying, but did not hear them explode.
This revelation infuriated Patton, he hit the private twice in the head. He shouted in rage and said that such cowards should be immediately removed from the hospital. That it hurts him to look at wounded soldiers, and people like Bennett should not only be expelled and sent to the front lines, but also shot against the wall.
Eisenhower, having learned about this event, ordered George to ask for forgiveness from the privates and the hospital staff. The general was also removed from command. Such a "dismissal" significantly influenced the behavior of the Germans. They believed that Patton's "disappearance" was a tactical move, and therefore made a number of fatal mistakes.
A final word
An interesting fact about Patton's life is the 1912 Olympic Games. Then the modern pentathlon became popular. Athletes competed in horseback riding, fencing, running, shooting and swimming. At that time, the Olympic Games gathered all the military personnel. Patton almost won the modern pentathlon. History indicates that the shooting failed the general. Although, as George himself claimed, the arbitrators sued him. According to them, the bullets did not hit the target, although Patton was sure that they had passed through holes from previous shots.
It is also known that several medium tanks were named in memory of the general: M46 Patton and M48 Patton. These machines worked for dozens of other powers of the world and appeared in the battles of the 2nd half of the 20th century.
In the early 1970s, a film about General George Patton was released. The film won seven Oscars and starred George Scott. In addition to being based on the book A Soldier's Story about Omar Bradley, Patton's autobiographical sketches, The War As I Didn't Know It, were also used.
George Patton was an intelligent general, an original tactician and an aggressive general. Now in the state of Kentucky there is a museum dedicated to the great officer, the "father of the tank troops."
