[ClearCase_guy]

Patton was a tactician. Stonewall Jackson was a tactician.

Washington, Grant, and Lee were strategists. It's very rare to find someone who is both a strategist and a tactician. Napoleon certainly qualifies. But I would argue that Washington and Lee were poor tacticians. Even Grant -- the best strategist of the ACW -- was not really good with tactics.

[Pistolshot]

Pershing was both. He didn't want to be bottled up in the trenches, knew the Saar was the heart of Germany, and would have destroyed it in 1919 had the war gone on longer.

Interesting story was one of Patton visiting Pershing before Patton left for Europe to command 3rd Army. I suspect Patton was there to discuss possible routes into the Saar and what Pershing had had in mind in 1918.

Patton was the perfect cavalryman. Bust through, disorganize, chase until the exhaustion set in, harrass your opponent until he drops. Strategist? He was ready when the call came to relieve Bastogne, and his pursuit into the Saar spelled doom for the German army. He knew that the race to Berlin would end the war. All he needed was the gas.

[Pistolshot]

Even Grant -- the best strategist of the ACW -- was not really good with tactics.

Might want to read up on the Vicksburg campaign. Grant at his best, tactically and strategically.