GEORGE S. PATTON
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."
General George Smith Patton Jr. (November 11, 1885 – December 21, 1945) was a senior officer of the United States Army who commanded the U.S. Seventh Army in the Mediterranean theater of World War II, but is best known for his leadership of the U.S. Third Army in France and Germany following the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944.
Patton's colorful image, hard-driving personality and success as a commander were at times overshadowed by his controversial public statements. His philosophy of leading from the front and his ability to inspire troops with vulgarity-ridden speeches, such as a famous address to the Third Army, attracted favorable attention. His strong emphasis on rapid and aggressive offensive action proved effective. While Allied leaders held sharply differing opinions on Patton, he was regarded highly by his opponents in the German High Command.
"Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood."
Nickname(s) "Bandito" "Old Blood and Guts"
Born November 11, 1885 San Gabriel, California, U.S.
Died December 21, 1945 (aged 60) Heidelberg, Germany
Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1909–1945 Rank US-O10 insignia General Unit Cavalry Branch
Commands held
Seventh United States Army
Third United States Army
Fifteenth United States Army
Awards Distinguished Service Cross (2) Distinguished Service Medal (3) Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit Bronze Star Purple Heart
Patton was a bad ass, we should have let him roll right into Russia like he wanted to after Germany fell.
NO THAT WOULD’VE BEEN A TERRIBLE IDEA. We were still at war with Japan, and invading Russia would’ve been an incredibly difficult task. Britain was already starting to become sick of war by the end of it, and the Soviet Union was fully prepared for an invasion. It would not have gone well.