G-2: Intelligence For Patton

by Brig.Gen. Oscar W. Koch

The enigmatic science of military intelligence is examined in this personal record, written by Brig.Gen. Oscar W. Koch, who served during World War II as chief of intelligence for General George S. Patton, Jr., one of the most colorful military leaders in American history. General Koch traces the growth and development of the infant science through detailed accounts of the intelligence role in some of the most celebrated battles of the war, and through his personal remembrances of Patton and his relationships with members of his intelligence staff. His story moves from the African campaign through Sicily, into France on D-Day and on to the Battle of the Bulge, pointing out how the work of the intelligence staff made the differences in the final reckoning. General Koch’s book is more than a historical study, however. It is the exciting story of the operations behind the cloak and dagger illusions.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Military History, World War II, War

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Eric Haas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oscar W. Koch's work "G-2: Intelligence for Patton" is an interesting war memoire written by Brigadier General Oscar W. Koch, who was General Patton's senior Intelligence Officer, and Robert G. Hayes. It is an interesting read that helps to flesh out my understanding of how intelligence operations in WW2 occurred at the tactical level, for large formation headquarters. The most compelling part is Koch's description of his understanding of the German force array before the Battle of the Bulge; however, it is a very wonky portion, since you have to have an understanding of the US and German Order of Battle by that portion of the campaign in Europe. The big piece is that 3rd Army's G-2 Section had a read that the German's were planning a counter-offensive as early as late November 1944. This read was provided to higher and adjacent headquarters but no one else believed it. It does help to explain why General Patton was able to reposition forces quickly once the German's started their attack, since he was anticipating potentially having to react to German actions. This is a good book for military historians or those wanting to understand what early intelligence operations looked like.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a general lack of good writing about intelligence - specifically, intelligence at the tactical level in a maneuver/force-on-force engagement. This short, very readable composition from George Patton's G2 (chief intelligence officer) shines a light, however dated, on how one of the more successful tactical intelligence officers handled his craft during WW2. Highly recommended for all Army and Marine intelligence professionals.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short and doesn't add a ton of original history but is a fantastic addition to any intelligence officer (commissioned, non-commissioned, or warrant) professional reading. The book helps show how critical a well-functioning intelligence staff is to any modern battlefield - something often overlooked in contemporary work. There's a lot on the importance of intelligence - very little on how the staff function of intelligence is critical.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting short read that provides fascinating insight into how Patton's intelligence staff advised him and his forces throughout the African and European campaigns. What they accomplished with the rudimentary technology they had at the time is truly impressive.

[TS Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The final outcome of the Battle of the Bulge notwithstanding, the situation was saved by the Allied response after the German attack and not by preparations made before."

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful