George S. Patton Autobiography

George S. Patton Autobiography

Full Name: General George Smith Patton Jr.
Date of Birth: November 11, 1885
Place of Birth: San Gabriel, California, USA
Died: December 21, 1945
Place of Death: Heidelberg, Germany
Classification: Heroes & Icons


Known as somewhat of a renegade in his military tactics, George S. Patton was a decisive force in World War II for his ability to sweep across Europe with prowess and power. His entire life was the U.S. Military. Descended from a family involved in the military, strategic warfare ran through his veins and would control his destiny against the Nazi regime.

Born to one of the most elite families in the State of California, young George received an elitist education at home before he headed to West Point. Following, he joined the cavalry and fell in love with horses. In fact, during his university years, he was one of the Academy’s best polo players. He knew that he was privileged, smart, and was used to making his own decisions and getting his way. This not only contributed to his public eccentricity, but also helped develop his leadership abilities.

Besides these eccentricities, he was a hardworking and courageous military leader who moved his army, known as the Third Army, across northern Europe, matching Germany’s own ‘Lightning War’ speed. He was soon put in charge of the Tank Corps because of his utter enthusiasm that tank warfare would win the war, as it had in World War I. Even before World War II, Patton was put in charge of division command of the armored branch of the military.

While making up new tactics for war that were unprecedented before his time, he was able to move across Europe in 1944 with unstoppable stamina. He would often create his own rules or disregard higher command if he knew his methods would allow him to take an area quickly and ruthlessly.

By March 1, 1945, Patton reached Germany. While some of his actions were considered rogue, allied forces didn’t criticize him too much because of his achievements in battle. In ten days, he had cleared what would have taken months for combined forces to attempt. Just in the north of Germany, he took well over 150,000 prisoners. Following the war, Patton didn’t agree with the way the forces slowly handled the dismantling of the Nazi regime. Because of his public statements against these operations, he was removed from the command of his Third Army by the fall of 1945.

Also circulated in the press was Patton’s treatment of a soldier in shell shock. He struck the soldier and called him a coward. This caused a media stir, but Patton soon after publicly apologized for his actions. Speaking his mind meant that Americans would learn the truth behind what he believed was his war; it would also mean repercussions for his career. Despite all of this, however, he became a hero in the eyes of America and the rest of the west. It was in Germany where George Patton was killed in an automobile accident