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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Short, accessible bio, February 4, 2006
This compact biography of an already well-documented life is interesting for its attempt to place Patton in the context of his dramatic effect on the U.S. Army's doctrine, training, and operations long after World War II. No startling revelations about Patton the general or the man, although the author does bluntly describe attitudes and prejudices that at this remove are repugnant but which were entirely expectable for a man of Patton's social class and upbringing. Axelrod, a professional author of well over 30 books, provides readable prose and workmanlike descriptive material. General Wesley Clark's forward adds little. Extensive endnotes, mainly of primary sources. Although not a substitute for the Blumenson or D'Este biographies, it is much more concise and accessible. First in Palgrave's Great Generals Series. Series editor is Clark. A good introduction to Patton.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Born to Be a Soldier", April 3, 2006
General Eisenhower once wrote that "Patton was born to be a soldier." Axelrod's biography makes it clear why this was true, while at the same time revealing the weaknesses that sorely cost Patton.
George Patton, plagued by dyslexia throughout life, simply worked harder to overcome it - at first in his studies (requiring a "preparatory" year at VMI, and repeating his first year at West Point), and then reading to keep himself up-to-date on military tactics and history - including Rommel's writings and the Koran (the latter to prepare for battle in largely Muslim North Africa).
Patton was appointed 2nd Corporal his second year at West Point, but eventually was demoted for being a martinet - always quick to upbraid classmates for failings, but failing to praise when appropriate. It was a lesson he kept with him, reminding subordinates later to be both demanding and praising. Lean and fit, he tried football, but injuries prevented his playing for West Point - instead he became a pentathlon athlete - placing 5th in the 1912 Olympics.
Patton always pursued a preference for commanding soldiers in action to staff or stateside duties. This early on brought him into service with General Pershing, where he won acclaim in a small skirmish pursuing Pancho Villa and ultimately to Pershing's staff in WWI. Once in Europe, Patton became aware of the potential of tanks, was appointed to organize officer training in the new field, and took to the battlefield in their command. Their he demonstrated his trademark tactic of leading from the front - immediately resolving problems and motivating the soldiers, and was wounded. Just as importantly, Patton also realized that it was a mistake to limit tanks to supporting infantry - their speed offered much greater potential.
Early postwar duty included helping Gen. McArthur clear the Bonus Marchers from Washington, which Patton found quite distasteful. Later it was strongly rumored that he had a long affair with his niece. Regardless, as WWII approached and Patton was moved to leadership of a large tank command, he took up flying as a means of helping resolve bottlenecks and thinking about methods of avoiding presenting massed tank targets for enemy aircraft.
WWII began without Patton, but after the U.S. suffered a humiliating defeat in a North Africa tank battle, Patton was placed in command, and quickly turned the situation around - beginning with his insistence on strict discipline and providing well for his soldiers. He also became known for encouraging spirited debate among his staff, and then insisting on enthusiastic implementation of decisions.
Slapping Incidents: Involved two soldiers and two occasions. The M.D. in charge notified Eisenhower after the second; Eisenhower managed to keep the incident quiet, asking the press to sit on the story to protect a key commander. Columnist Drew Pearson, however, eventually learned of it and stirred a furor with his story. Patton ended up sidelined for 11 months, primarily serving as a decoy to confuse the Germans about Allied plans. Patton again got into trouble at a reception given opening a new facility for soldiers - there he (various versions) either slighted the Russians, either by omission or directly.
Patton is probably best known for the seemingly impossible task of rushing his large army a long distance in bitter cold to the rescue of U.S. soldiers trapped at Bastogne.
Once more, after the war, Patton again got into trouble - this time for remarks to the effect that many Nazis became party members because it was the only way to get their job, that many were needed to run post-war Germany, and it should not become an absolute bar to utilization. The result was Eisenhower's removing him from command and placing him in charge of compiling WWII history. Tragically, Patton didn't last long - he was fatally injured in a minor accident.
An easy, balanced read about a remarkable leader.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT SHORT OVERVIEW - WELL DONE - A GOOD READ, May 15, 2006
As other reviewers have pointed out, there are a number of excellent biographies out there covering the life of General Patton. This short work though, does a wonderful job of compacting a very large amount of informaton into a short, readable biography. The author is quite concise and the material very well organized. For those readers not wanting to delve into a 1000 plus page work, yet are interested in this great generals life, this quite fills the bill. The technical aspect of war is kept to a minimum, yet the author is able to convey the complexities of war quite well as well as the complexities of George S. Patton. I do hope the rest of the books in this series are as well done. Overall, recommend this one highly.
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