8/22/2023 0 Comments Western tank force pattonPatton was transferred to the Second Armored Division at Fort Benning, Georgia, and named commanding general on April 11, 1941. He succeeded, and the Armored Force was created in 1940. When the German Blitzkrieg struck Poland in 1939, Patton was determined to convince Congress that America needed armored and mobile tanks. He graduated from the Command and General Staff School in 1924, and completed his military schooling as a distinguished graduate of the Army War College in 1932. Following World War I, Patton held a variety of staff jobs in Hawaii and Washington, D.C. He also helped to invent the co-axial tank mount for cannons and machine guns. He conducted experiments to improve radio communications between tanks. Patton continued to study and wrote extensively on the subject. Congress, however, was not willing to appropriate funds to build a large armored force. Patton viewed tanks as the future of modern ground combat, and was an outspoken advocate. Patton was shot three times in the leg after continually exposing himself to gunfire, which earned him the Distinguished Service Cross for Heroism, one of his many medals. Commanding from the front lines, he maintained communications with the rear command post with pigeons and a group of runners. The corps fielded 345 tanks at the Meuse-Argonne Operation in September 1918. He was promoted to captain and placed in command of Pershing’s Headquarters Troop upon their return from Mexico.ĭrawing from his first-hand knowledge of the weapon, Patton organized the American tank school in Bourg, France, and trained the first 500 American tankers. Pershing was impressed by Patton’s determination. In 1916, he accompanied Pershing as an aide on his expedition against Francisco "Pancho" Villa into Mexico. Pershing in Mexico during a 1915 expedition. Patton's first exposure to battle occurred while he was deployed under General John J. Patton designed and taught a course in swordsmanship while still a student. Patton became the school's first Master of the Sword. In the summer of 1913, Patton received orders to report to the commandant of the Mounted Service School at Fort Riley, Kansas. Following the Olympics, Patton took lessons at the French Cavalry School and studied French sword drills. Patton represented the United States at the Stockholm Olympics at the first Modern Pentathlon in 1912, doing well overall and especially well in the shooting event. Inspired by Beatrice, George had to prove he was worthy of her love and that she deserved a man who could achieve the highest goals. Early on, she made up her mind that she would be a soldier's wife, dedicating her life to him and his career. A family member said, "Neither of them ever had another sweetheart." Beatrice saw the potential for greatness in George and became devoted to him. Beatrice and George met for the first time when they were children, on Catalina Island off the California Coast. When they vowed to love, honor, and obey, they both meant every word of it. Patton married Beatrice Ayer, whom he dated while at West Point, on May 26, 1910. Patton was then commissioned a second lieutenant in the 15th cavalry Regiment. Patton attended the Virginia Military Institute for a year and went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 11, 1909. His ancestors had fought in America’s greatest wars: the War of Independence, Mexican War, and Civil war, and he was enthralled by the stories of their valiant and victorious deeds. As a general, he was known for his severe manner and for packing ivory-handled pistols.Īs a youth, Patton decided that his goal in life was to become a hero. He continually strove to train his troops to the highest standards. Patton is regarded as one of the most successful United States field commanders of any war. was born November 11, 1885, in San Gabriel, California. One of the most complex military men of American history, General George Smith Patton Jr.
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