General George S. Patton was one of the greatest military leaders that the United States of America ever produced. He failed his first year at West Point but eventually became a second ranking cadet at the most prestigious military academy. He could ride a horse, and he could drive an armored horse (tank). He can take a city that’s heavily guarded with just two divisions. He became an unrestrained person who can cover six countries across Europe in World War II (WWII) in a short time. Patton’s disregard for military rules, his ruthless drive, and initiatives led to his success as a battlefield commander.
Throughout his early life, Patton focused on becoming a strong soldier, allowing him to become a successful general later in life. George
…show more content…
At the start of the WWI, Patton was assigned as a staff officer for General John J. Pershing. Patton believes that Tank Service (later renamed Tank Corps) would be the future of the U.S. Army. He submitted his application for the Tank Service by bragging about him being the first American to attack with a motor vehicle while chasing Pancho Villa. In 1916, Patton was involved in chasing Pancho Villa a Mexican revolutionist. He was a part of the cavalry unit that was sent on an expedition to hunt down Pancho Villa. He led a raid which killed three of his men which caused Villa to move further south in …show more content…
After the start of WWII, Patton was prepping for an invasion of North Africa. Before landing in North Africa, Patton told his troops, “We shall attack and attack until we are exhausted, and then we shall attack again." Patton's desire for battle earn him a nickname "Old Blood and Guts,” (Royle 18) among his soldiers because they would give him their blood and he would give them his guts. Patton was instrumental in North African campaign. After the victory in Africa, he was put in charge of invasion of Sicily. Again, Sicily operation was successful. However, he was his own downfall. While visiting his troops in Italian hospital, he slapped a shell-shocked soldier and called him a “yellow bastard.” (Royle 23) Later he was forced to issue a public apology by General Eisenhower. Patton really wanted to be part of the invasion of Europe but instead he was put in charge fictitious force which fooled the
George Patton was a senior officer and commander of the U.S. Seventh Army during World War II. One of the pioneers in tank warfare, Patton became best known as the most effective general of World War II. Patton led American forces to significant victories on the fronts of North Africa, Sicily, and Europe. Before the European invasion, Patton, along with a major build-up of Allied forces was covertly preparing for the first assaults on German occupied Normandy, France. General Patton’s speech to the Third Army was given on June 5, 1944, in the United Kingdom on the eve of the Allied invasion of Europe (National Endowment for the Humanities, n.a.). This famous speech was given to the soldiers under his command. The speech was delivered as a motivational device by Patton in order to inspire and solidify his men for upcoming challenges.
victories.In July 1943 Patton led the invasion of Sicily.His Army along with the British Eighth army captured the island within 39 days.One major event almost destroyed Patton's career.He slapped two soldiers who were suffering from battle fatigue while he was inspecting army hospitals.Patton said that he thought that the soldiers were pretending and General Eisenhower forced him to apologize. The congress held up Patton’s promotion to Major General.
Although at first glance General George S. Patton is anything but creative, if you think about it, he is one of the most creative people of all time. Both his battle strategies and speeches were creative, bold, and extremely powerful. Each of his speeches, particularly his speech to the Third Army, are some of the most powerful and motivated I have read. Each and every speech he spoke riled his troops and made them want to crush the Nazis and win the war. Many people dislike Patton and his speeches because of his vulgar language, but there is no denying the effect the speeches had on the troops who served under him and the power in each word he spoke. http://www.wjpbr.com/patton.html
At a young age George S. Patton knew he wanted to be in the military. His ancestors had served in the American Revolution, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. (Randall and Nahr iii) This is largely the reason behind his intense determination and drive. Fueled off their tales of bravery and heroic endeavors, he never had a doubt that he was going to live the life of a military hero. Despite a learning disability, many believe he had dyslexia, he would go onto to attend the Virginia Military Institute and ultimately graduate from West Point. Upon his graduation he achieved the rank of 2nd lieutenant and was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. The years after his graduation were eventful for George Patton. He participated in the 1912 Olympics in a variety of sports. He trained in fencing in France and was
Patton was in charge of a fake army set up in southern France to be used as a diversion. He
George C. Marshall was one of the best generals we had ever had! Here are some facts that aren’t just about his war victories or even acts. He was born December 31, 1880 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He was a Civil Engineering major. He graduated 15th of 34 in the Class of 01. That is 1901 not 2001 if so he would be super old. George married Elizabeth Coles. George was an honor graduate of the Infantry Cavalry School in 1907. He graduated first in his class from Army Staff College in 1908, which was in Kansas. George was promoted to a First Lieutenant. He was an Instructor in the Department of Military Engineering at Fort Leavenworth Army Service Schools. He worked with various National Guard units in the summers of 1907 to 1911. His assignments was with the 24th Infantry Madison Barracks, New York. He was with the Organized Militia of Massachusetts and with the 4th Infantry at Fort Logan. He was one of the leaders of Duty with the 13th Infantry. George was Chief of Staff of Field Detachment 1 on maneuvers, Aide de Camp to Brigadier General Hunter Liggett at Fort William McKinley and Headquartered in the Philippine. He helped a lot of soldiers and saved a lot of men through his time when he was serving. He showed his men respect and they showed him it back. That is why they believed in him and they fought as a one to win the war. He severed his country good he made sure that everyone was treated well and that we all fought for our country how we should. George
Gen. George S. Patton was one of the most intelligent military leaders and soldiers in American History. Audacious, unorthodox, and inspiring, he led his troops to very god victories in North Africa, Sicily and on the western front. Nazi Generals admitted that all American field commanders he was the most feared and scared everyone. To Americans he was worthy of such strong cavalrymen as Philip Sheridan, J. E. B. Stuart and Nathan Bedford Forrest. His great qualities as a soldier were matched with one of the best personalities of his period.
Bernard law Montgomery was the commander of the British Eighth Army, which was to land around Catania. Patton commanded the I Armored Corps (The Western Task), which was to land near Palermo. The two forces would guard these cities allowing them to build up their troops to attack Messina. The plan appealed to Patton because he liked a plan that is risky, however; Montgomery had doubt about it because their forces would have to divide. Montgomery plan was for British to land troop of either sides of the Messina as Patton’s troops would land after him on the eastern coast to support Montgomery’s attack.
In Virginia, George oversaw the horse procurement for the whole Army. World War I started and John Pershing was assigned as commander of the American Expeditionary Force. Since George had worked with John before and they got along and were very good partners, George requested to join his staff. On May 15, 1917, George was assigned captain and left out for Europe. George Patton was with one hundred and eighty more men. George was dissatisfied with the headquarters company and took interest in tanks. On November 10, 1917, George Patton was chosen to establish the AEF Light Tank School. After a few weeks of training they were given ten tanks. George was now the only one with personal experience with driving tanks, so he backed seven of them off the train. George was later assigned to the United States 1st Provisional Tank Brigade, in August 1918. During World War I, if there was an objective to be reached that involved driving tanks, George was probably there. Sadly, at the end of the war, George was shot in the leg and injured. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds and dedication throughout the war. George was always doing something during World War I, but he was always changing
It wasn't until his first battle of the expedition to Mexico with his war tactics that gave him the boost to be recognized by the public (Biography 2016).After General George Smith Patton first battle of the expedition to Mexico, the setback of dyslexia during his years in the U.S Military Academy at West Point does not stop him. Therefore, Patton’s determination earned him to serve as one of the first official officers in the tank corps in World War I. General George Smith Patton had reached the role of general with his efficient and organized warfare
Patton was relieved of active duty until he was summoned by Eisenhower to lead the 3rd American army in the breakthrough Normandy. Eisenhower, more than anybody, knew the talents that Patton had in war; and with the 3rd American Army, Patton cut through the German lines all the way to Rennes, and then to Nantes, and then stopped at Metz for gas and munitions. Patton was always a step ahead of everyone – especially the Germans. After the push stopped, Patton was ordered to move from Saar and attack General Von Rundstedt – which was deemed impossible by others but not Patton. After Rundstedt was captured, Rundstedt gave a high praise to Patton for his
I also stated how lessons learned from Patton’s leadership, inspired me to not only talk the talk but to lead from the front. On the flip side Patton’s unethical behavior has made me reevaluate how I make ethical decisions and critically think about situations. " A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week." (Blumenson, 2008). Patton, was arguably one of our greatest WWII generals and visionary leaders, although his actions in my opinion were not ethical.
Where Germany surprise attacked the Allied forces. Patton and his forces brawned through the casualties and came to overcome and proceeded to defeat the German counterattack. Before hand, Patton mapped out a large area of France and proceeded to lead a highly successful, rapid armoured drive throughout France that allowed German groups to be mopped up one at a time.The defeat of the counter attack relieved the U.S. of even higher casualties to the main effort.
A transformational leaders has several aspects and forms. Patton was people orientated, he would inspire his troops using intellectual leadership when talking to them. He implemented the qualities of an accolade leader by praising his troops when they’ve done good. However, Patton would approach his leadership on the heroic side. Burn’s portrays a
Born November 11, 1885 in San Gabriel, California, General George Smith Patton, Jr. was one of the most complicated, yet greatest leaders in military history. On June 11, 1909, he attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) for a year and then to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 15th cavalry Regiment. Growing up, Patton’s ultimate life goal was to become a hero and a successful leader. In Robert B. Williamson’s book, “General Patton’s Principles for Life & Leadership”, the author takes a personal account of Patton’s principles which he lived and fought for. These main principles consisted of the following: Leadership,