George S. Patton

Command #3

by Steven J. Zaloga

George S. Patton Jr. was the iconic American field commander of World War II, and widely regarded as the US Army's finest practitioner of mechanized warfare. This title examines Patton's colorful life and leadership in three wars, with a concentration on his command in World War II. Despite his ability, Patton was thoroughly reviled by most GIs, partly due to his insistence on traditional military discipline in the ranks, but also because of his unwillingness to pander to the growing power of the press. This combination of ability and controversy have combined to make him one of the most interesting figures in American military history.

Steven Zaloga's contribution to Osprey's newest series, Command, addresses this iconic figure from his early life to his life after war. Including an analysis of Patton's mind and motivations, strict training methods and the controversies surrounding Patton and his relationship with his soldiers and with Eisenhower, Zaloga's text is a concise but important look into the life of one of the most famous commanders of World War II.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, World War II, Biography Memoir

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Steven Zaloga is an author and defense analyst known worldwide for his articles and publications on military technology.  He has written over a hundred books on military technology and military history, including “Armored Thunderbolt: The US Army Sherman in World War II”, one of the most highly regarded histories of the Sherman Tank.  His books have been translated into Japanese, German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, and Russian. He was a special correspondent for Jane’s Intelligence Review and is on the executive board of the Journal of Slavic Military Studies and the New York Military Affairs Symposium. From 1987 through 1992, he was the writer/producer for Video Ordnance Inc., preparing their TV series Firepower.  He holds a BA in history from Union College and an MA in history from Columbia University.

Mr. Zaloga is also a noted scale armor modeler and is a host/moderator of the World War II Allied Discussion group at Missing-Lynx.com, a modelling website. He is a frequent contributor to the UK-based modeling magazine Military Modelling. He is a member of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society.

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a tough call trying to discuss the long and complicated career of George Patton in less than 70 pages, but Zaloga succeeds. He clearly likes Patton, but notes that he was never tested as a strategist (or in my opinion in defensive combat) and that the boundary between his personality and his theatrics was often blurred. I like that Zaloga made it clear that Patton was no mere bull as a general, but that he also paid close attention to staff work and logistics. He also had a knack for getting along with the French because he was a Francophile. Patton represents a long counter tradition of theatrical commanders, when most American generals were (and are) more like managers. The manager tradition arguably goes back to Washington. Now they are all managers and that is why we lose.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid brief work on "Leadership, Strategy, Conflict." Here, the focus is famed General, George S. Patton. Ther book traces the development of his ideas, his earning command in North Africa, his triumphs--and disgrace--in Sicily, his role after D-Day. . . . The book moves ahead swiftly. Useful maps and photographs abound, to provide a clearer sense of context. All in all, a nice addition to the series.

[Amarjeet Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixty-one pages to discuss Patton's life and military career? I can imagine Steven J. Zaloga thinking "hold my cup" as he takes up the challenge. Like Patton's indomitable tanks, he rumbles through a literary landscape littered with archaic tid-bits, annihilating some while studying others. And just like his subject matter, he succeeds in delivering a short and effectively sharp rendition as evidence of his success.

This is Patton as never before.

[Jake Burritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like the author did a great job being real about who george patton was. His pros.His cons. And he did it in such a succinct manner that didn't feel drawn out at all like many other biographies can feel like.
I did listen to this book in an audio version and it was a very smooth read, or listen.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and entertaining. I enjoyed it!