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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Gen. Patton ~ July 30, 2007
Various - linked in thread | Yosemite Sam

Posted on 07/29/2007 5:00:47 PM PDT by StarCMC

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
 
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!
 
 
~ Hall of Heroes ~

Gen. George S. Patton

ArmyPatch small   NavySeal small   Air Force Seal   Marines Seal small   Coast Guard Seal small (better)

One of the most complicated military men of all time, General George Smith Patton, Jr. was born November 11, 1885 in San Gabriel, California. He was known for carrying pistols with ivory handles and his intemperate manner, and is regarded as one of the most successful United States field commanders of any war. He continually strove to train his troops to the highest standard of excellence.

Patton decided during childhood that his goal in life was to become a hero. His ancestors had fought in the Revolutionary War, the Mexican War and the Civil War, and he grew up listening to stories of their brave and successful endeavors. He attended the Virginia Military Institute for one year and went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 11, 1909. He was then commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 15th cavalry Regiment.

Patton married Beatrice Ayer, whom he dated while at West Point, on May 26, 1910. In 1912 he represented the United States at the Stockholm Olympics in the first Modern Pentathlon. Originally open only to military officers, it was considered a rigorous test of the skills a soldier should possess. Twenty-six year old Patton did remarkably well in the multi-event sport, consisting of pistol shooting from 25 meters, sword fencing, a 300 meter free style swim, 800 meters horse back riding and a 4-kilometer cross country run. He placed fifth overall, despite a disappointing development in the shooting portion. While most chose .22 revolvers, Patton felt the event's military roots garnered a more appropriate weapon, the .38. During the competition Patton was docked for missing the target, though he contended the lost bullet had simply passed through a large opening created by previous rounds from the .38, which left considerably larger holes.

After the Olympics, Patton kept busy taking lessons at the French cavalry School and studying French sword drills. In the summer of 1913, Patton received orders to report to the commandant of the Mounted Service School in Fort Riley, Kansas, where he became the school's first Master of the Sword. He designed and taught a course in swordsmanship while he was a student at the school.

Patton's first real exposure to battle occurred when he served as a member of legendary General John J. Pershing's staff during the expedition to Mexico. In 1915, Patton was sent to Fort Bliss along the Mexican border where he led routine cavalry patrols. A year later, he accompanied Pershing as an aide on his expedition against Francisco "Pancho" Villa into Mexico. Patton gained recognition from the press for his attacks on several of Villa's men.

Impressed by Patton's determination, Pershing promoted him to Captain and asked him to command his Headquarters Troop upon their return from Mexico. With the onset of World War I in 1914, tanks were not being widely used. In 1917, however, Patton became the first member of the newly established United States Tank Corps, where he served until the Corps were abolished in 1920. He took full command of the Corps, directing ideas, procedures and even the design of their uniforms. Along with the British tankers, he and his men achieved victory at Cambrai, France, during the world's first major tank battle in 1917.

Using his first-hand knowledge of tanks, Patton organized the American tank school in Bourg, France and trained the first 500 American tankers. He had 345 tanks by the time he took the brigade into the Meuse-Argonne Operation in September 1918. When they entered into battle, Patton had worked out a plan where he could be in the front lines maintaining communications with his rear command post by means of pigeons and a group of runners. Patton continually exposed himself to gunfire and was shot once in the leg while he was directing the tanks. His actions during that battle earned him the Distinguished Service Cross for Heroism, one of the many medals he would collect during his lifetime.

An outspoken advocate for tanks, Patton saw them as the future of modern combat. Congress, however, was not willing to appropriate funds to build a large armored force. Even so, Patton studied, wrote extensively and carried out experiments to improve radio communications between tanks. He also helped invent the co-axial tank mount for cannons and machine guns.

After WWI, Patton held a variety of staff jobs in Hawaii and Washington, D.C. 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.

When the German Blitzkrieg began on Europe, Patton finally convinced Congress that the United States needed a more powerful armored striking force. With the formation of the Armored Force in 1940, he was transferred to the Second Armored Division at Fort Benning, Georgia and named Commanding General on April 11, 1941. Two months later, Patton appeared on the cover of Life magazine. Also during this time, Patton began giving his famous "Blood and Guts" speeches in an amphitheater he had built to accommodate the entire division.

The United States officially entered World War II in December 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By November 8, 1942, Patton was commanding the Western Task Force, the only all-American force landing for Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. After succeeding there, Patton commanded the Seventh Army during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, and in conjunction with the British Eighth Army restored Sicily to its citizens.

Patton commanded the Seventh Army until 1944, when he was given command of the Third Army in France. Patton and his troops dashed across Europe after the battle of Normandy and exploited German weaknesses with great success, covering the 600 miles across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. When the Third Army liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp, Patton slowed his pace. He instituted a policy, later adopted by other commanders, of making local German civilians tour the camps. By the time WWII was over, the Third Army had liberated or conquered 81,522 square miles of territory.

In October 1945, Patton assumed command of the Fifteenth Army in American-occupied Germany. On December 9, he suffered injuries as the result of an automobile accident. He died 12 days later, on December 21, 1945 and is buried among the soldiers who died in the Battle of the Bulge in Hamm, Luxembourg.

Remembered for his fierce determination and ability to lead soldiers, Patton is now considered one of the greatest military figures in history. The 1970 film, "Patton," starring George C. Scott in the title role, provoked renewed interest in Patton. The movie won seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Picture, and immortalized General George Smith Patton, Jr. as one of the world's most intriguing military men.

Link to the infomation.

Below is the famous "Patton Prayer" and Christmas greeting sent to the men of the Third Army December 8, 1944:

 
Patton's Prayer

 
"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen."


Patton's Greeting

 
"To each officer and soldier in the Third United States Army, I wish a Merry Christmas. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We march in our might to complete victory. May God's blessings rest upon each of you on this Christmas Day."

G.S. Patton, Jr., Lieutenant General
Commanding, Third United States Army.

 

 

Next week:  Famous quotes of General Patton.



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; hallofheroes; militaryhero; patton
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To: MS.BEHAVIN

Went outside after another thunder clap and there is a huge puffy white cloud over the mountains. Hope it comes further south and brings rain with it.

You can practice music later. Get some good rest.


121 posted on 07/29/2007 8:38:52 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Old Sarge

Sounds awesome. Did you get some good ideas for your
swordfighting weekends?

Did you buy anything...or do they even sell stuff for
re-enactments?


122 posted on 07/29/2007 8:39:58 PM PDT by luvie (Thompson)
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To: LUV W

A few T-shirts, and I found a book on Armor-making, and we found a book of Cantebury Tales for Children!


123 posted on 07/29/2007 8:44:21 PM PDT by Old Sarge (This tagline in memory of FReeper 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub)
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To: Andy from Beaverton

Welcome to the Canteen, Andy, and thanks for the link.


124 posted on 07/29/2007 8:45:27 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: StarCMC






Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen
at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~


125 posted on 07/29/2007 8:47:16 PM PDT by AZamericonnie
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To: StarCMC

I say...I say....I say thanks for the thread Starlette!:) *Hugs*


126 posted on 07/29/2007 8:48:22 PM PDT by AZamericonnie
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To: All

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE
 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 
(Click on graphics for music)


127 posted on 07/29/2007 8:48:47 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: CMS
>
*Congratulations*
Best Wishes CMS and Leslie

128 posted on 07/29/2007 8:49:31 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: swmobuffalo

Wow....what good timing! So glad you got to talk to him tonite. Is he doing well? Are YOU doing well!:)

Maybe he’ll lead the others by his example huh?

I bet that phone call made ya feel better...*Hugs*


129 posted on 07/29/2007 8:53:04 PM PDT by AZamericonnie
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To: Bryan

Very interesting information Bryan. I enjoy reading such info. Thank you!


130 posted on 07/29/2007 9:01:16 PM PDT by AZamericonnie
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To: Old Sarge

Well, that sounds like a good bunch of stuff.

I would have to have Cantebury Tales for Children if
I were to ever understand it! LOL!

When you make your own armor...we want to see it! :D


131 posted on 07/29/2007 9:12:23 PM PDT by luvie (Thompson)
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To: StarCMC

Very interesting man. I think my father, who served in France, had met Patton. We watched the George C. Scott film together.


132 posted on 07/29/2007 9:12:53 PM PDT by MoochPooch (I'm a compassionate cynic.)
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To: Bryan

Good stuff!


133 posted on 07/29/2007 9:15:49 PM PDT by eyedigress
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To: tenthirteen

Welcome to the Canteen, tenthirteen....thanks for your input.


134 posted on 07/29/2007 9:18:45 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: AZamericonnie
The Monsoon seems to be going well! I'll order a pizza for you if you want it. (I know nobody really won but you were the closest to the official record at the SPC.)
135 posted on 07/29/2007 9:20:28 PM PDT by eyedigress
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To: CMS

Congratulations Geoff & Leslie! I'm so happy for you both. I wish you a lifetime of love & happiness! *Hugs*

136 posted on 07/29/2007 9:30:59 PM PDT by AZamericonnie
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To: eyedigress; HiJinx

Good evening Eye....I thought YOU were closer? LOL

It was a fun wager....I’ll post a virtual pizza party in your honor!:)


137 posted on 07/29/2007 9:37:27 PM PDT by AZamericonnie
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To: swmobuffalo

WooHoo, Proud Mom.....so glad you were able to talk to your son.


138 posted on 07/29/2007 9:38:46 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; mylife; LUV W; NYTexan; BIGLOOK; All

*Yawn*
Okay Gang..
Off to me bedchamber..
Good night Ma!
*HUG*
Good night Canteeners and troops!
God bless and keep you always.
Ms.B


139 posted on 07/29/2007 9:39:17 PM PDT by MS.BEHAVIN (Women who behave rarely make history)
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To: RasterMaster

Go Patton!


140 posted on 07/29/2007 9:40:47 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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