General George S. Patton Jr. By: Jad Rogers

Early life Patton was born on November 11, 1885 in San Gabriel, California As a child he set his goals on becoming a famous General in the American Army. For fun he reenacted famous battles. He grew up on Lake Vineyard, a ranch. He struggled with dyslexia. His family was wealthy He went to the Virginia Military Institute at age 17 because West Point was full In 1904 he transferred to West Point. He was unpopular because he was arrogant. He flunked his first year. He was a track star.

Early Military Career On May 16, 1910, he married Bea Ayer Once he graduated from West Point he joined the 15 th Calvary at Ft. Sheridan. In 1911 he had his first daughter which made him depressed. In 1912 he regained his happiness back when he was sent to Ft. Myer. In 1912 he competed in the Olympics in a pentathlon He then became the first U.S. master swordsman and created the Patton Saber In 1915 his second daughter was born He became famous overnight during the Mexican Expedition when he shot the Mexican leader Julio Cardenas.

World War 1 He was an aide to General Pershing Pershing asked him to command the first U.S Tank Corps The first American tank battle, the Battle of Saint Mihiel, he received a purple heart. When WWI came to an end the tank corps was moved to infantry and Patton once again joined the Calvary. In 1923 Patton’s first son was born. In 1940 he was transferred to Ft. Benning which was the rebirth of his career.

North Africa and Tunasia Campaigns At fort Benning he gained control of the 2nd Armored division. He trained the so well he became a Brigadier General after 31 years in the army. He was then moved to control the Western Task Force in the North African invasion. He landed in Casablanca and took in over within 2 days. The Americans were being destroyed in Tunasia so Eisenhower assigned Patton to control the troops there where he destroyed the Nazis.\ He was next assigned to the Sicily invasion

Sicily Invasion Patton was in control of the 7 th army. The Americans were not well respected after the brutal beat down they took in Tunasia before Patton arrived. Patton was enraged when he was assigned to guard Montgomery’s flank and the began to race Montgomery to the city of Messina to gain respect for the Americans. Patton conquered Sicily within 38 days, beating Montgomery to Messina. During the Sicily Invasion, Patton slapped a soldier for being a coward and risked his whole career and had to publically apologize. His command of the 7 th army was taken away from him and he thought his career had come to an end.

Storming Through Europe In 1944, Patton gained control of the 3 rd army for the Normandy invasion. When Patton arrived he was disappointed to see that we were losing. Operation Cobra was put into effect and they destroyed the German walls. Patton then destroyed the left German flank. Patton reached Argentown, which he was not supposed to pass, and pleaded for Bradley to let him go to close the gap between him and Montgomery, but Bradley refused to let him go any farther and some Germans escaped, enraging Patton. Patton stormed through Europe, going so far and so fast his supply line had to be cut and they were not given anymore gas.

Battle of the Bulge. Hitler ordered a final attempt to win the war and ordered Von Rundestandt to do a blitzkrieg on the allied armies. The attack separated Patton from Montgomery. Bradley ordered Patton to rush to the besieged town of Bastogne. Patton miraculously turned his army around and went to rescue the town. When they entered the town they destroyed the Germans last hope of winning the war. On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered

Interesting facts Patton believed in reincarnation He was very religious and prayed before everything. When he was 10 he predicted he would become a famous General. At West Point he left a biography of himself for future biographers.

Death On December 9 th, the day before he was to return home, he was on his way pheasant hunting when he was involved in a minor slow speed car crash. No one was injured except for Patton who was paralyzed. On December 21, 1945, General George S. Patton Jr. died in Heidleberg, Germany He will always be remembered for his remarkable skills and determination he had. He is arguably on of Americas best Generals. He will always be remembered and talked about in our history.