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How Is George Patton Successful

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General George S. Patton was one of the greatest military leaders that the United States of America ever produced. He failed his first year at West Point but eventually became a second ranking cadet at the most prestigious military academy. He could ride a horse, and he could drive an armored horse (tank). He can take a city that’s heavily guarded with just two divisions. He became an unrestrained person who can cover six countries across Europe in World War II (WWII) in a short time. Patton’s disregard for military rules, his ruthless drive, and initiatives led to his success as a battlefield commander.
Throughout his early life, Patton focused on becoming a strong soldier, allowing him to become a successful general later in life. George …show more content…

At the start of the WWI, Patton was assigned as a staff officer for General John J. Pershing. Patton believes that Tank Service (later renamed Tank Corps) would be the future of the U.S. Army. He submitted his application for the Tank Service by bragging about him being the first American to attack with a motor vehicle while chasing Pancho Villa. In 1916, Patton was involved in chasing Pancho Villa a Mexican revolutionist. He was a part of the cavalry unit that was sent on an expedition to hunt down Pancho Villa. He led a raid which killed three of his men which caused Villa to move further south in …show more content…

After the start of WWII, Patton was prepping for an invasion of North Africa. Before landing in North Africa, Patton told his troops, “We shall attack and attack until we are exhausted, and then we shall attack again." Patton's desire for battle earn him a nickname "Old Blood and Guts,” (Royle 18) among his soldiers because they would give him their blood and he would give them his guts. Patton was instrumental in North African campaign. After the victory in Africa, he was put in charge of invasion of Sicily. Again, Sicily operation was successful. However, he was his own downfall. While visiting his troops in Italian hospital, he slapped a shell-shocked soldier and called him a “yellow bastard.” (Royle 23) Later he was forced to issue a public apology by General Eisenhower. Patton really wanted to be part of the invasion of Europe but instead he was put in charge fictitious force which fooled the

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