Eighty years ago, on Dec. 21, one of the most consequential figures in World War II died. General George S. Patton’s passing at the age of 60 was due to complications from a motor vehicle accident in Germany that left him paralyzed from the neck down. It was the untimely end to an extraordinary American life.
Patton was born in 1885 in San Gabriel, Calif. He graduated from West Point in 1909 and overcame dyslexia to become a well-read student of war, especially the Civil War, in which his grandfather died. He first served in the Army under General John Pershing. He saw action in World War I, eventually leaving Pershing’s staff to lead the newly formed tank corps. He was badly wounded by machine gun fire in France and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery.
It was in World War II where Patton’s leadership proved crucial to the Allied effort, leading the 7th Army to victories in Sicily before leading the 3rd Army across France in an impressive display of leadership, toughness, and ingenuity. Later he led his troops to relieve a trapped 101st Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge.
Patton’s career was colorful. Known for his toughness and crude language, he was labeled “old blood and guts” by his men, stemming from a famous series of speeches given to soldiers under his command. This was immortalized by George C. Scott in the iconic 1970 film, Patton. He was also known for violent, angry outbursts. He often clashed with his superiors, including General Omar Bradley, who felt his outbursts and profane language were unbecoming of a military leader.
Patton became infamous for two incidents in which he struck hospitalized soldiers for, in his view, being insufficiently wounded and undeserving of their leave. One was later diagnosed with dysentery and the other with combat fatigue. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower reprimanded Patton and demanded an apology but also worked behind the scenes to avoid Patton’s demotion or firing. Many believe this erratic behavior is why he wasn’t given command of “Operation Overlord” on D-Day.
Despite his flaws, George Patton was one of the most effective and heroic soldiers in American history. Eisenhower, who revered the general as a young soldier, said of him that he was “indispensable to the war effort.” And, though controversial at the time, he was prescient about the threat of Russia’s communist aims.
Click Here to Read More (Originally Published at World Magazine)
Daniel is the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including The Dignity Revolution, Agents of Grace, and his forthcoming book, In Defense of Christian Patriotism. Dan is a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Angela, have four children.
