George S. Patton

Date of Birth: November 11, 1885

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: December 21, 1945

Biography

George Smith Patton Jr. was one of the most successful and controversial American military leaders of the 20th century. Born into a family with a rich military history, Patton graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1909. His early career saw him participating in the Pancho Villa Expedition and World War I, where he established himself as an expert in tank warfare. During World War II, Patton’s aggressive tactics and bold maneuvers were instrumental in the Allied victories in North Africa, Sicily, and the European Theater. He was known for his fierce personality, strict discipline, and controversial statements, which often landed him in hot water with both superiors and the public. Patton’s leadership during the Battle of the Bulge and his rapid advance across France are considered some of his greatest military achievements. After the war, he was involved in the occupation of Germany until his untimely death in a car accident in December 1945. Patton remains a symbol of American military prowess and is remembered as one of the most formidable generals in U.S. history.

5 Interesting Facts about George S. Patton

1. George S. Patton participated in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics in the modern pentathlon, finishing fifth overall.

2. He was a descendant of Revolutionary War Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, who served under George Washington.

3. Patton was known for his flamboyant personality and often carried ivory-handled pistols.

4. He believed in reincarnation and felt he had been a military leader in previous lives.

5. Patton played a key role in the development of armored warfare tactics during World War I and World War II.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George S. Patton

1. “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.”

2. “A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”

3. “Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.”

4. “Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men.”

5. “If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George S. Patton’s net worth was not publicly documented, but as a career military officer, his wealth would have primarily consisted of his military salary and benefits. It is estimated that, adjusting for inflation, his net worth could have been modest compared to civilian standards.

Children

George S. Patton had three children with his wife Beatrice Ayer: 1. Beatrice Smith Patton 2. Ruth Ellen Patton Totten 3. George Patton IV, who also became a Major General in the United States Army.