Reflections on General George Patton and His Impact on US Soldiers

General George S. Patton Jr. is a complex figure in history, revered as one of the most successful and innovative military commanders in World War II, yet also deeply resented by some of his soldiers. His presence and influence on the battlefield and in the heart of his men are subjects of extensive debate and historical analysis.

Patton's Mixed Legacy Among His Soldiers

Among the soldiers who served under General Patton, feelings were divided. While a significant number of his men despised him, those who knew him well often found that the hatred was co-existent with an unwavering reverence for his leadership. It is reported that his men were so vehement that they would have preferred to crawl miles just to urinate in his coffee rather than do so in peace. However, their disdain did not translate to a willingness to replace him; their trust in Patton's ability to win battles was unparalleled.

Even high-ranking officials in the U.S. military were ambivalent about him. General George C. Marshall, the Chief of Staff, and the Congress showed a clear preference to relieve him and send him home. It was Dwight D. Eisenhower's staunch support that kept Patton in command, understanding the immense value Patton's victories brought to the Allied cause. The transfer of Patton to the command of the Third Army was a major step in maintaining the integrity of his leadership and the morale of his troops.

The Legacy of the 2nd Armored Division

The 2nd Armored Division (2AD), known for both its combat prowess and its proximity to the heart of Patton's military operations, provided a unique insight into Patton's influence. An interesting detail is that the 2AD wore their unit patch on the chest above the left pocket, not on the shoulder as was standard for most divisions. According to the story, this was a direct manifestation of Patton's close relationship with the division. It is suspected that this deviation from standard Army uniform regulations was an initiative by the 2AD commander, as Division Generals do have the authority to modify such rules.

However, this unique patch also hints at the broader implications of Patton's popularity. While he was fervently loved by some in his division, not every soldier aligned with his leadership style or his methods. The fact that the 2AD was halfway through its decommissioning when the Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield) began underscores the irony: in his later years, Patton's favorite division was on its way out, a sign that even his personal association could not save him from the natural evolution of the military organization.

A Personal Perspective

As a Combat Engineer in the 1st Cavalry Division (1CD) based at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1988 to 1990, I observed the impact of this legacy firsthand. Our division's location and nature, while not as closely tied to Patton as the 2AD, still allowed for comparisons in terms of uniform and tradition. The 2AD's 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment's "Hell on Wheels" moniker and their unique chest patch emphasized their direct connection to Patton's legendary operations.

Our 1CD was fortunate to retain standard shoulder patches, a symbol of our strategic placement in the military hierarchy. The decision by the 2AD commander to differentiate may have been a statement about the unique bond between Patton's leadership and the 2AD soldiers, but it left us with the practical advantage of not having to display our unit patch in a non-traditional location that might affect our operational readiness and morale in a different way.

Reflecting on these historical details, it is clear that George Patton's legacy is one of complexity and contradiction. He is remembered as both a heroic leader and a highly divisive figure, a reflection of his significant contributions and the challenging methods he employed. Only time will tell how these impressions continue to shape the US Army's memory and its future leadership.