Patton slapped an enlisted man. Only politics made a big deal out of it. His men were not concerned.
As an officer, I never struck anyone. I did, however, turn a blind eye when an 20 year old enlisted guy threw an 19 year old enlisted guy out of the tent and into the snow. My Sgt turned a blind eye as well. When the 19 year old started pulling his weight, he was allowed to sleep in a tent instead of the snow. He also turned into a damn good airman - because he DID learn to pull his weight and be part of a team!
I also once told an E-7 that if he didn’t get his ass out of the chair and get to work that I’d throw his lazy ass out of the window. We were on the second floor and I meant it. I guess he knew I meant it, because he got in gear. In today’s military, I’d probably be court martialed for hurting someone’s feelings.
“Now with your vast experience in the Air Force, is it acceptable for an officer to hit an enlisted man. YES or NO”
Could be yes. Not often, but then, Patton didn’t go around hitting folks daily either. All things considered, I’d trust Patton’s judgment over yours OR mine.
George Marshall was a politician in a uniform. I never could stand people like that. Eisenhower was more of a politician than a soldier, too.