George S. Patton

George S. Patton was a U.S. Army General during World War II. He also served as a senior commander in World War I. Among his many accolades, Patton was awarded a Purple Heart and two Silver Stars for his military contributions.Official Site: General Patton Biography

Under the command of John J. Pershing, George Patton was promoted to the rank of captain in charge of tank brigades at the start of the war. Patton was involved in the first tank led attack in France at the Battle of Cambrai. During the war, Patton was continually promoted, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1918. Wounded in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel in the same year, Patton received a Purple Heart. At the conclusion of the war, Patton was promoted to colonel.Official Site: General Patton Biography

While in relatively good shape, General Patton was injured during a car crash in Manheim, Germany. Although apparently recovering and preparing to return home, Patton officially died of an embolism while in the hospital. Historian Robert Wilcox, maintains that the accident was staged by operatives within the government who were afraid Patton was going to expose Allied collusion with Russia during the war. During the crash, Patton was supposedly shot with a projectile to break his neck. When he began recovering from the crash, the Office of Strategic Services (forerunner to the CIA) allegedly turned their backs and allowed the NKVD (forerunner to the KGB) to poison the general.Telegraph: General George S. Patton was assassinated... (December 21, 2008)

Early Years

• Patton Society: Patton's Early Years
• Know Southern History: George S. Patton
• Virginia Military Institute: George S. Patton, Jr. and his Civil War Ancestors
• Armchair General: Gen. George S: Patton, Jr. at West Point, 1904-1909

World War One

• Wikipedia: Battle of Cambrai
• Patton Society: The Unknown Patton
• World War 1: American Armor in the First World War
• World War 1: St. Mihiel: First Attack of the US First Army

World War Two

• WW2DB: George Patton
• Patton Society: My Speech at Knutsford
• PBS: Patton in North Africa (Time:00:37)WARNING: Auto-plays video
• Military.com: Lt. Gen. George S. Patton Jr. (2006)WARNING: Pop-ups
• Military History Online: Two General Apart: Patton and Eisenhower (2004)
• HistoryNet: General George S. Patton's Race to Capture Messina (2001)
• 3rd Armored Division: George Patton and I (1977)
• The National Archives: Efficiency Report (1944)David: An excellent primary source document!

• 1945: November 11, Born

• 1904: Attends Virginia Military Institute

• 1904: Also enrolls in West Point

• 1916: Assigned to the 8th Cavalry Regiment with John J. Pershing

• 1918: Wounded at Battle of Saint Mihiel

• 1919: Met Dwight D. Eisenhower

• 1932: Served under Douglas MacArthur, leading the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment

• 1940: Given command of the US 2nd Armored Division

• 1941: Promoted to Major General

• 1943: Participated in the North African Campaign

• 1944: Was involved with Operation Fortitude

• 1944: Involved in the Battle of the Bulge

• 1945: December 21, died of an embolism following an automobile accident in Heidelberg, Germany