Patton has a reputation as a ruthless bruiser who would hit you with everything he had.
In reality, he was a master of the tactical advance and bypassed many more enemy units than he ever fought head on.
His goal was to get in the enemy's rear as quickly as possible with as intact a force as possible - a operational plan that on several occasions almost brought US strategy to near ruin.
Had he been enveloped when he had gotten too far ahead of his supply lines, it would have been disastrous.
I read in one biography of Patton that in France during WWI, he was standing close to Douglas MacArthur. An enemy artillery round landed within a few yards of them, and thankfully, it was a dud. Picture WWII without Patton and MacArthur.
“get in the enemy rear as quickly as possible”
“WE’RE GOING TO HOLD ON TO HIM BY THE NOSE, AND WE’RE GOING TO KICK HIM IN THE ASS!!”
Someone posted that Patton had then what would be an unbounded luxury today: to be able to concentrate on practicing the military arts and nothing else (leave the paper pushing to your staff, that’s what they’re there for).
An amazing officer and field commander. His son LTG George S. Patton III distinguished himself in Vietnam, as well.