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George S. Patton, Jr was born.
George Smith Patton, Jr was born in San Gabriel, California. His father was George Smith Patton, Sr, and his mother was Ruth Wilson. -
George graduated military academy.
George always wanted to be a hero. When he graduated from the military academy, he was commisioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 15th calvary regiment. -
Patton married Beatrice Ayer.
George Patton dated Beatrice during his time at West Point. She went on to birth 3 of his children. -
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Mexican Revolution
During the Mexican Revolution, George Patton started to really make a name for himself. He used the skills he had learned in the numerous schools he attended and from what he had personally researched to show his determination and loyalty to the United States, and got all kinds of recognition for it. -
George participates in the Stockholm Olympics.
Representing the United States at the Olympics was traditionally only available to military officers. However, the young 26 year old Patton did very well in the 25 meter pistol shooting, fencing, 300 meter free style swim, 800 meter horseback riding, and a 4 kilometer cross-country run. -
George reported to the Mounted Service School in Kansas.
Patton, after competing in the Olympics, still kept up with calvary and sword skills. In 1913, he was ordered to the Commandant of Fort Riley in Kansas to attend the Mounted Service School there. Through hard work and determination, he became the U.S. Army's first Master of the Sword, and even taught a class on swordsmanship while he was still a student at the school. -
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World War I
World War I became Patton's proving grounds. He was one of the first, if not the first, to utilize the Tank's full potential. His innovation was key to winning the war. -
Patton saw fighting for the first time.
Patton was apart of the legendary General John J. Pershing's staff during his time in Mexico. In 1916, he accompanined Pershing in his expedition against Francisco "Pancho" Villa, where he gained recognition from the press for his bravery.
"I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight." - Patton. -
George organized the first American tank school.
Patton intensely studied ancient war tactics, but was most interested in tank warfare. Using his knowledge, he went on to start the first American tank school in Bourg, France, training the United States' first 500 tankers. By the Meuse-Argonne Operation in 1918, his brigade 345 tanks under his command. -
Patton took command of the United States Tank Corps.
In 1917, Patton became the first member of the brand new United States Tank Corps, and stayed with it until its disassembly in 1920. Then, he took full command, virtually transforming the entire Corps into an effective fighting force.
"Tanks are new and special weapon-newer than, as special, and certainly as valuable as the airplane." - George Patton. -
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World War II
George Patton really shined during his time fighting in World War II. Getting all kinds of media attention, which wasn't always for a good reason, he struck fear into the hearts of the German soldiers, and inspired loyalty among the men he commanded. -
George was named Commander of the Second Armored Division.
After Congress was finally convinced that an armored force was needed, they created multiple armored divisions. Patton was the natural choice for at least one of these divisions, and he was placed as the Commanding General of the Second Armored Division at Fort Benning in Georgia. -
Patton commanded the Western Task Force.
George started taking command of various task forces and armies. After the United States officially entered the war in 1941, he lead the Western Task Force, which was the only all-American task force during Operation Torch, the Allies' invasion of North Africa.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't." - Patton -
Patton gave his iconic Normany speech.
George Patton was well known for his many skills, one of them being speech writing and presenting. Before the invasion of Normandy on June 6th, 1944, Patton gave one of the most iconic speeches to date to the soldiers of the United States Third Army, which inspired moral throughout the invasion force. The speech became known as "Patton's Speech" or simply just "The Speech". -
Patton died.
On the fateful December 21st, 1945, just under four months after the end of World War II, General George Smith Patton, Jr died in Heidelberg, Germany after suffering paralyzing injuries in a low-speed car crash. He died in his sleep of a congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema.
