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Patton: A Genius for War

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George Patton, a veteran of the Pershing expedition to Mexico in 1916 (where he killed three of Pancho Villas men, one a key subordinate, in a man to man gunfight), World War I (where he commanded the fledgling US Tank Brigade and was wounded and decorated for valor), and World War II, is one of the most misjudged and underrated combat commanders in American military history.

An expert tactician, strategist, and trainer, he was proud, profance, outspoken, a soldier's soldier, led from the front, shared his men's hardships, led was was undoubtedly the best American field army of the war, and was the only American general the Germans feared.

Carlo D'Este has written the definitive biography of this soldier and general, warts and all. He covers Patton's life from muzzle to buttplate, pulls no punches, and provides a human picture of a man that has definitely risen to legend.

The descendant and father of soldiers, Patton led his troops and units in the old army way. An experienced combat officer, he had more experience than either Eisenhower or Bradley, and was a better general than both as well as Montgomery.

This book has presented more information on Patton the man than any other. It is well-written, and riveting-you can't put it down. A moody, morose, devoted family man and dedicated soldier, Patton deserves more study, as do his campaigns. This book gets past the hype and delivers a solid punch as good, solid military history, and delivers the total picture of a man driven to be an aggressive, talented combat commander who knew his profession and contributed mightily to the final victory in World War II.

Carlo D'Este, a military historian and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, has written an amazing study of an important American war hero. The reader will not only learn about military developments that led to allied victory, but they will also get a real feel for the amazing personality that was George S. Patton, Jr. Only a few biographies leave you with the feeling that you have personally met the subject. This book is one of them. Anyone considering taking on the work of becoming a biographer should read this book and use it as a model.

When most people think of Patton, they think of the 1970 film staring George C. Scott. D'Este knows this and begins his study with a chapter setting up this movie as a straw man. The film was extremely powerful, but it was ultimately a work of fiction and Omar Bradley, a general who despised Patton, played a large role in its production. D'Este also asks the simple but difficult questions of: who was the Patton. and why does he deserves another biography. The answer to these questions takes up 977 pages. We learn that the harsh, profane image he presented to his troops and the public was just that, an image. He was deeply religious, and was willing to take risks that only a man with the sincere believe that providence favored him would chance. He was extremely sensitive, loved poetry, understood what it took to send men into combat and was deeply troubled that soldiers under his command would die because of orders he gave. He was one of the best generals the allied coalition had and it was no accident. He had ability and worked hard at doing an extremely difficult job: killing.

The most significant factor in shaping Patton's life was his dyslexia. Not only is dyslexia a learning disorder, it also entails a whole host of emotional and psychological consequences, including: feelings of inferiority, sharp mood swings, and a tendency to boast. Patton had all these traits and more. Given this disability, he had a difficult time as a cadet at West Point. He did well enough, though, to enter the cavalry.

His natural talents as an army officer quickly became clear, but he also knew how to play the bureaucratic game. General John Pershing became a mentor of his and he excelled during the First World War, rising to the temporary rank of colonel. He was personally responsible for establishing the organizational table and most of the doctrine of the new tank corps. During these days of experimentation with armor, he made an important friendship with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Both, however, understood enough about service politics to return to their original branches. The interwar period was time of extreme frustration. It was only as the threat of war loomed that his career began to move forward.

D'Este covers familiar ground during the war years: the campaign in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, the slapping of two enlisted men, the Knutsford incident, exile, and his drive across France, the Battle of the Bulge, and his removal from command. The author shoots down a number of myths. Patton and British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery had profound respect for one another and the rivalry that developed between them came late in the war. Bradley never respected the ability of either Patton or his staff. Bradley also had a long feud with Montgomery and was the individual most responsible for advancing the "our blood, his guts" view of Patton. The media helped, though. Patton had horrible relations with the reporters, which contributed to the amount of attention focused on the slapping and Knutsford incidents. His friendship with Eisenhower saved him after he assaulted two soldiers. Patton thought his friend had no backbone and was would sell him out. After Patton's ill considered remarks about the Russians in Knutsford, Ike was ready to send him back to the U.S. It was only the intervention of the General George C. Marshall, the chief of staff of the U.S. Army, that saved him. He did order a chaplain to write a prayer for good weather and later decorated the man with a Bronze Star, but not during the Battle of the Bulge as the film "Patton" suggests. D'Este, however, notes that during this battle Patton was at his best, calling it his finest hour.

D'Este has a novelist's touch for details. The circumstance of Patton's death and the services honoring him are moving. Discussions of Patton's cowardly bull terrier, Willie, along with the relationship he had with the officers and enlisted men on his staff enable D'Este to give a full picture. D'Este's own military experiences inform this study. He pays attention to details that might have escaped an author with less expertise: Patton's use of maps, his organizational ability, and how he effectively employed assets such as intelligence. The research is impressive and it will be a long time before this book is ever surpassed.

"Patton" A Genius for War " is an outstanding biography of General George S. Patton. After seeing some less than glowing critical reviews of this book, I was hesitant to read it, expecting it to be over-long, somewhat disjointed and unorganized. But, I plunged ahead anyway, and found the book to be a genuinely pleasant surprise - superbly written, richly detailed, balanced, and obviously well researched and organized. The portrait of Patton which emerges is that of a man destined for greatness on the field of battle from the beginning. Here is seen the scion of a Virginia family steeped in military tradition since the Civil War (two ancestors died as heroes to the Confederacy during that conflict). Here is the young man with a tremendous intellect and drive to succeed; suffering from, and successfully compensating for, dyslexia and feelings of inadequacy brought on by this disability. And, here is the army officer who believed he was destined for greatness, demonstrating a natural genius for war throughout his long military career; a highly patriotic, proud, and profane general, capable of quickly moving an entire army across Europe; yet afflicted with the hubris which ultimately led to his firing as Third Army commander at the end of World War II. "Patton: A Genius of War" is a wonderful biography of a highly complex and yet deeply flawed man. For readers interested in getting beyond the image of Patton presented by the movie, this book is a must read.

ENN Book Review -05/12/97 - 22:00CDT

By C. L. Staten, EmergencyNet News Service

Shortly after my visit to the local hospital, and during a somewhat extended illness at home, I have had the good fortune to read a lengthy but very satisfying title by a retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. and military historian, Carlo D'Este. The subject of this biography is admittedly a personal hero and the subject of some deep reading on the part of this reviewer on several past occasions. In fact, at the onset of the manuscript, I wasn't sure what more there was to learn about George S. Patton, Jr.. Thankfully, D'Este's treatment of Patton is an amazingly well-balanced and unbiased analysis that will be regarded by some as a non-traditional treatment of the World war II hero.

This is a full-fledged portrait of Patton, from his childhood, through his military service, and up to and including his untimely death at the end of the war. It doesn't spare the reader the blemishes of Patton's life, nor an insightful analysis of his generally acknowledged military genius. Interestingly, this work actually explores the possibility that much of what Americans commonly know about George S. Patton Jr., including his infamous profanity, may have been a facade intended to fool others.

D'Este spends a great deal of time dwelling into the family and private life of Patton, as well as exploring some of the psychological implications of events that shaped his life. He correctly observes, that given Patton's parentage and upbringing that there are few other things that he could have been except a "warrior." From the time that he was old enough to listen to the stories around the fireplace, he was educated about a deep-seated family tradition of military service and sacrifice for the country. These stories and his formal education at VMI and West Point undoubtedly, firmly, shaped his destiny.

Also of note in regard to Patton's education is the not well known fact that he suffered from dyslexia. D'Estes review goes to some lengths to discuss the effects of this condition and the possible emotional ramifications that it can have on its victims. D'Estes expounds on the works of Dr. Harold Levinson, a renowned Dyslexia expert, who contributes much of Patton's eventual success (and subsequent emotional distress) to his normal feelings of inferiority caused by the dyslexic disorder. Levinson's hypothesis includes an opinion that Patton's drive, authoritarian demeanor, macho attitude, and warrior mentality may have all been rooted in compensating for his life-long illness.

Finally, D'Estes covers the strategic war in Europe in great depth. He reviews some of the facts concerning stories associated with Patton's slapping of two enlisted men in Sicily, Patton's alleged feuds with Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, and his continued "political disputes" with Gen. Mark Clark, Gen. Omar Bradley, and Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. One commonly accepted fact does remain undisputed by D'Estes diatribe...Patton was one of the most successful generals on the allied side. D'Estes well documents the fact that through a combination of audacity, bulldoggedness, and clever tactics he managed to take more ground in a shorter time frame than any other general in the war.

All in all, "Patton; A Genius For War" comes highly recommended. Parts of it do contain mature language, which may not be suitable for children. But, that is only in keeping with Patton's philosophy of "giving it to 'em straight and dirty...so they'll understand it." This book gives significant insight for the serious World War II history student, as well as providing a "behind the scenes" feel that contributes to any readers understanding of a complex and turbulent time in the world's history. It you like detailed WWII history, and especially one of its most controversial generals...buy this book.

I found D'Este's expose of Patton truly compelling. Like many, I was first introduced to Patton via George C. Scott's portrayal in the movie. This biography delves so much deeper into not only Patton the great general, but Patton the man.

I disagree with review of the reader in Korea. D'Este's account results from unique, brilliant & exhaustive research. About half the book is dedicated to Patton's pre-WWII fame. His formative years as a child, his unique bond with his Aunt, the courting and 35-year marriage to his beloved wife Beatrice (who was a tremendous supporter of her husband & responsible in no small part for his successes), his first action hunting the infamous Pancho Villa - all this and much more mixed together to produce a unique & complex officer.

An excellent read for anyone wishing to explore the innerworkings of all that became and was Patton.

D'Este's biography of General Patton is as thorough and balanced a treatment of this great man as I have ever seen. I re-read my old copy of Farago's "Patton: Ordeal and Triumph" (just recently re-printed) afterward, and discovered just how different the two accounts are. Both books are essential reading as they give you different (but not disparate) views of General Patton. Both are unashamedly pro-Patton while acknowledging his human flaws.

"Genius For War" attempts to delve more deeply into Patton the man than any previous biography. It also helps to detach the General's story from the image portrayed in the fine 1970 film "Patton." Ultimately there is far more to General Patton than the movie could ever convey. However, "Genius For War" conveys this depth quite well.

One comes away from "Genius" feeling that Patton's story has finally been told with far more accuracy. I had only one quibble with the account, and it is of minor consequence. I felt D'Este was too invested in portraying Patton as dyslexic; perhaps his information sources were biased on this matter. While the author quickly dismisses the possiblity that the General may have suffered mild traumatic brain injury (perhaps from numerous falls from horses), his descriptions of the General's behavior actually raise this as a credible possibility. While it raises an interesting question, I doubt if 60+ years after the General's passing that anyone will be able to definitively answer that question.

This is unquestionably one of the most engrossing, readable biographies I have ever experienced. I give it my strongest recommendation, and thank the author for his efforts. I can think of few books I have enjoyed so much.

Are 800 plus pages too much for a biography of George Patton? When I first picked up this hefty book, I thought to myself: "I don't know if I want to know THAT much about Patton." However, I soon found myself wishing for even more detail in a few sections, especially in the WWII chapters. D'Este does spend more than 200 pages describing Patton's family, childhood, and early manhood before WWI, but these (possibly) less interesting sections do give important clues to Patton's personality and background. For example, Patton's undiagnosed dyslexia had a major impact on him. Patton's WWII involvement covers most of the second half of the book, and then the pace of action really picks up.

Although a very sympathetic portrait overall, D'Este does describe quite well his complicated personality. Patton could be profane and pious, deeply emotional and callous, all at the same time. The author makes clear that Patton's obsession with his destiny to play an important part in a great war did not mean that he didn't care deeply for the men who served under him. In fact, D'Este provides evidence that Patton was more careful of the lives of his men that other generals such as Omar Bradley. Patton's complicated relationships with Bradley and Eisenhower are also delved into deeply. He and Eisenhower had been close friends since 1919, although that friendship was deeply strained during WWII. D'Este also discloses that Bradley basically detested Patton after the Sicily campaign.

D'Este also informs you along the way which parts of the famous movie Patton were true and which weren't. For example, the scene in the film where the German Luftwaffe attacks Patton's headquarters just as the British are telling him that of course they are providing adequate air cover is basically true. The competition between Patton and Montgomery to see who would get to Messina first is, at best, a one-way competition in Patton's mind. The scene in the movie where Patton greets Montgomery in Messina is purely apocryphal. D'Este discloses that after the American troops prove their worth in the later parts of the African campaign, Montgomery actually had a high regard for Patton's abilities. He also draws parallels between Montgomery and Patton, showing that in many ways, they had a lot in common.

I found myself wishing in a few places for a more detailed description of Patton's battlefield strategies, but to be fair, this is a biography and not a book about military tactics. Overall, I found it to be an excellent biography of a brilliant military general, and not one page too long.

As Carlo D' Este notes in the prolouge to Patton: A Genius For War, much of what people know about George S. Patton is derived from the 1970 film, "Patton". Patton is portrayed as the swashbuckling, profane, destiny-obsessed warrior. This portrait is a mere fragment of the the man.

In his biography, D'Este penetrates Patton's outter-surface to reveal to the reader the many facets that comprise George S. Patton the man, not the warrior.

D'Este begins with Patton's childhood, when he was regaled with stories of his family's bravery during the Civil War, leading Patton to grow up believing it was his destiny to become a great soldier. D'Este also writes rather extensively on Patton's dyslexia, which obviated his education and caused his many feelings of inferiority.

D'Este then moves into Patton's involvment chasing the Mexican bandit Pancho Villa and his service in World War I. In both episodes, Patton served under John J. Pershing, who would become his mentor. In World War I, Patton was responsible for the organization of America's armored corps, which under Patton's leadership played a vital role.

D'Este's discussion of Patton's interwar years reveals Patton's discontent with peace, which serves a catylyst of severe mood swings that take a heavy toll on his family. Throughout this period, Patton seemed sure his destiny would not be fulfilled, which served as a great source of anxiety. Here, the reader sees the undying devotion Beatrice Patton had for her husband, as she served as his pillar of strength throughout his life. Also, Patton the husband and father is shown to the reader in this section.

D'Este then offers great insight into the triumphs and tragedies of Patton in World War II, and reveals the rapport Patton established with his troops, and his deep appreciation for those who fought and sacrificed for his army. Contrary to popular belief, Patton deeply cared for his troops and abhored the carnage of war.

D'Este also writes extensively about Patton's belief in reincarnation and his deeply held religious convictions. This chapter is deeply revealing. D'Este also devotes a chapter to the speech Patton delivered to his troops of the Third Army before their deployment after D-Day. The reader does not wonder for too long why Patton developed such confidence in his men.

D'Este's research is thorough and is taken mostly from primary sources. The endnotes are well detailed. His writing is excellent, and the book flows smoothly, which is a plus.

If one bases bases one's opinion of George S. Patton only on the movie, one becomes a victim of naivety. While one should not accept this book as absolute truth, it should be accepted as a revealing and intimate portrait, as it captures the esssence of George S. Patton.

I began this book a skeptic of Patton, but came away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the man.

Carlos D'Este's Patton: A Genius for War is a brilliantly written work. Why? Because it doesn't just capture the life of Patton, it also captures his personality. It shares with the reader the misconceptions of Patton reviewed by the news, by superiors, and by a world in general. It reminds us that Patton was not a boorish lout because he swore, and he was not an unreliable man because he was dyslexic. He was a military genius who used his determination to overcome any obstacle that would dare rise against him. He was the one true man to get the job done and D'Este realizes that. Patton's early life is covered, but not as extensively as his campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, and Europe. I never found myself bored by the book, except in the earlier chapters describing young Patton's life. Other than that, it flows like a novel, but teaches like a pro.

Absolutely fascinating biography of Patton, filled with stories about him that will have you laughing on almost every page (and weeping on some others as he slaps soldiers and especially as he lies in a hospital paralyzed in 1945). The writing is superb and the research impeccable.

The greatest strength of the book is the author's encyclopedic knowledge of Patton and his thoughtful analysis. He doesn't take the public image of Patton as gospel but has interviewed many people who knew him and read Patton's diary and other papers. The author does a great job communicating his main theme, the complexity of the kind and compassionate private Patton contrasted with the public Patton who was profane and brash, yet one of the greatest generals of all history.

Yet the book has one major weakness. Although it is subtitled "Genius for War," the author fails to explain his genius. He does a great job of communicating Patton's marvelous leadership skills, his sense of destiny, and his ability to motivate men to kill and to die; yet he fails to describe Patton's operational genius. What made Patton one of the greatest armor commanders ever? Sure Patton paid great attention to detail and drove his troops harder than almost anyone else, but he knew how to use armor and infantry better than almost anyone else. But D'Este misses his opportunity to tell us how Patton fought his battles.

Nonetheless, the book is an excellent and informative read, whether you are just looking for a good book or want to learn more about Patton or the European Theater in World War II.