General George S. Patton's Legacy

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General George S. Patton Jr.’s military life, career and achievements will forever be known as an incredible legacy in American history. Patton was known as the most flamboyant Allied leader of World War II. Patton was very skilled with tank warfare. He was known for carrying around pistols with ivory handles, and is said to be one of the most successful commanders of all time. He continually trained his troops to the highest standard of excellence while giving speeches to motivate them to fight. His contributions to military technology and the outcomes of both World Wars have brought us to the world we know today.
During Patton’s childhood he decided that his life goal was to become a hero. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary …show more content…

Open only to military officers, it was considered a rigorous test of the skills a soldier should possess. Patton did very well in the multi-event sport, consisting of pistol shooting, sword fencing, a 300 meter free style swim, 800 meters on horse back riding and a four kilometer cross country run. 26 year old Patton placed fifth overall (generalpatton.com).
Patton kept busy after the Olympics, taking lessons at the French Cavalry School and studying French sword drills. In 1913, Patton received orders to report to the command 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 attending the school as a student (generalpatton.com)
Patton’s first battle experience was in 1915. He led cavalry patrols against Pancho Villa at Fort Bliss along the Mexican border. He was selected to aide John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in Mexico, in 1916. Patton personally shot Mexican leader Julio Cardenas during the Battle of Columbus. This impressed Pershing who promoted Patton to captain and invited him to lead Pershing’s Headquarters Troop once they left Mexico (George …show more content…

Patton 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 exposed himself to gunfire and was shot in the leg while directing the tanks. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross for Heroism for his actions during that battle

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