The Patton Papers: 1940-1945

The Patton Papers

by George S. Patton Jr., Martin Blumenson (Editor)

One of World War II's most brilliant and controversial generals, George S. Patton (1885-1945) fought in North Africa and Sicily, as commander of the Third Army, spearheaded the Allies' spectacular 1944-1945 sweep through France, Belgium, and Germany. Martin Blumenson is the only historian to enjoy unlimited access to the vast Patton papers.

This is the second volume, covering the war years 1940 to 1945, of General George S. Patton’s papers. The material includes private diaries, letters, speeches, reports, and orders. This provides own uncensored view of his remarkable life.

Genres: History, Biography, World War II, Military Fiction, Military History, Nonfiction, American History

944 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1974

About the author

George Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.

Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1909. In 1916–17, he participated in the unsuccessful Pancho Villa Expedition, a U.S. operation that attempted to capture the Mexican revolutionary. In World War I, he was the first officer assigned to the new United States Tank Corps and saw action in France.

In World War II, he commanded corps and armies in North Africa, Sicily, and the European Theater of Operations. In 1944, Patton assumed command of the U.S. Third Army, which under his leadership advanced farther, captured more enemy prisoners, and liberated more territory in less time than any other army in military history.

On December 9, 1945, Patton was severely injured in a road accident in Heidelberg, Germany. In the crash Patton received a severe cervical spinal cord injury. Paralyzed from the neck down, he was rushed to the military hospital in Heidelberg. Patton died of a pulmonary embolism on December 21, 1945.

Reviews

[Peter J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The circumstances surrounding the “accident” which eventually killed him, literally the day he was leaving Europe to resign and begin his political career leave me convinced the man was murdered; either by the soviet bolsheviks, whom he strongly and openly condemned, or by OSS, who were allied with them at the time. The man was a stronger contender for the White House than Ike, whom he loathed for his political manipulation and repeatedly condemned as “pusillanimous,” and as putting London’s interests above America’s.
I will end with a few quotes from his diary and letter to his wife, written mere weeks before his death:

“I have been just as furious as you at the compilation of lies which the communist and Semitic elements of our government have levelled against me and practically every other commander. In my opinion it is a deliberate attempt to alienate the soldier vote from the commanders because the communists know that soldiers are not communistic and they fear what eleven million votes [of veterans] would do. It is owing to this fact that I have failed to raise any stink because, while I think General Eisenhower is most pusillanimous in yielding to the outcry of three very low correspondents, I feel that as an American it will ill become me to discredit him yet – that is, until I shall prove
even more conclusively that he lacks moral fortitude. This lack has been evident to us since the first landing in Africa but now that he has been bitten with the presidential bee, it is becoming even more pronounced."

“"It is my present thought . . . that when I finish this job, which will be around the first of the year, I shall resign, not retire, because if I retire I will still have a gag in my mouth . . . I should not start a limited counter-attack, which would be contrary to my military theories, but should wait until I can start an all out offensive . . . “

[Davina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this took a while. This picks up from the prior volume just as the US Army is really starting to expand, and officers are hoping to get choice assignments. Patton does, and has a distinguished, well legendary career, not without some very bleak periods. It's interesting to see the man, and what he was was willing to commit to paper. He is a very complex character, yet, at times, he can be so boyish and straight forward. I still have difficulty pinpointing the man, or was he always a character playing a role? His accomplishments are laudable. He, like MacArthur, may have had some post War political dreams, but he seems more clear that that wasn't possible. He is an anachronism in so many ways. Perhaps his tragic death in a car accident has done more to make his reputation than anything. It was well worth the time to read this one.

[J. Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of letters and diary entries by General George S. Patton, Jr., compiled, edited and annotated by former member of his Third Army headquarters staff Martin Blumenson.

Christmas 1974 gift from my grandmother Josephine.

[Jack Maness]

Great insight into war and the psychology that creates it. It's amazing to me how a good, ethcial, loving man can become merciless when in a conflict.

[BGS · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting insights to a surprisingly sensitive man

[Mark K. Vogl · Rating 5 out of 5]

For warriors, for soldiers who lead large bodies of men in actual combat, this is an excellent work. Patton was without doubt a par excellence combat leader, and this work provides his inner thoughts on his life and career. Maybe of most import, General Patton understood the importance of personal presence with his soldiers. He was more than a trainer, he was the ultimate role model - always leading, always setting the example, always committed to victory as fast as possible. His notes in his personal diary are telling concerning his observations and feelings (good and bad) towards his peers (Eisenhower, Bradley, Montgomery) and his Corps and Division Commanders. His letters to his wife and from her, allow a small light on his personal life.

[Melvin Lance]

Very enjoyable book. Gave me more of who Patton was. He was straight forward person. Had this book for years glad I finally was able to read.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing to read what Generals say to each other and moreover what they write about to loved ones. This is a big insight into G.S Patton Jr. His sense of humor, to his ass kissing.

[Dorian Allworthy]

If you get any new clothes make sure everyone knows about it !