The leading generals of World War Two carried a huge weight on their shoulders. Their decisions could mean the difference between life and death for thousands of men; their actions helped to shape the fate of nations.
History has judged some of them as fools, others as butchers, and a handful as military geniuses. . . Few, at least on the Allied side, have generated as much controversy in life and death as George S Patton.
The flamboyant American commander never lost a major battle, but his explosive temper almost cost him his career. He survived two World Wars, often placing himself in considerable danger, only to die in unlikely circumstances within months of Germany's defeat.
The unconventional general was a devout Christian, yet he believed he was just the latest incarnation of a warrior spirit who'd once fought alongside the likes of Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte.
He was the epitome of the rough, tough warrior who reveled in his macho image and seemingly lived only for war. But he could be a surprisingly sensitive individual who cried at funerals and penned poetry throughout much of his life.
In this Biographics video we are going to dive right into the details of this man's life. "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his."
Early Life George S Patton was in born in California on November 11, 1885.
Twenty years earlier the Patton family had lost much of their wealth when they found themselves on the losing side of America's civil war. However, by the time of George's birth, the Patton's were prosperous and influential once again.
The young George knew from an early age that he wanted to be a soldier. His main obstacles were his weaknesses in maths and English.
This was not a result of any lack of natural ability, but rather because his father's mistrust of formal education, meant that George hadn't attended school until he reached twelve years of age.
