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BANGLADESH MILITARY ACADEMY

GREAT BATTLE PRESENTATION
GROUP - 4
BATTLE OF KAMALPUR

Introduction

1. Throughout history, there have been numerous individuals who have

been recognized as great captains of the world. These are leaders who
have not only demonstrated exceptional military prowess but have also
possessed a strategic vision and the ability to inspire their troops to victory.
Their charismatic leadership allowed them to command their troops to
achieve the impossible. In the medieval period, military leadership was
dominated by knights and nobles who had been trained in the art of warfare
from a young age. These leaders were often highly skilled in hand-to-hand
combat and were known for their bravery on the battlefield. They led their
troops into battle, often charging into enemy lines at the front of the charge.
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, military leadership
began to evolve. Military academies were established to train officers in
tactics, strategy, and leadership skills. These officers were expected to be
educated and cultured, as well as skilled in military matters.

2. From ancient times to the present day, generals have shaped the
course of human history, leaving their mark on the political, social, and
cultural landscapes of their respective eras. They represent the best
qualities of a nation's military and embody the ideals of heroism, sacrifice,
and patriotism. The lives and accomplishments of famous generals can
serve as a source of inspiration for future generations. Their stories can
encourage young people to pursue careers in the military, or to strive for
excellence in any field.

3. General George S. Patton Jr. was one of the most iconic and
controversial figures of World War II. Known for his brilliant tactical skills and
colorful personality, he became a symbol of American military might during
the war. Patton was a complex and often misunderstood individual, both
admired and criticized for his actions and decisions. Beyond his military
accomplishments, Patton also had a significant impact on the military
culture of the United States. He was a proponent of advanced training
methods, including the use of tanks and other armored vehicles, and helped
to modernize the American military. His legacy also includes a reputation for
being a larger-than-life figure and a symbol of American military might, both
during and after the war.

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Aim

4. Aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the life

and career of General George S. Patton with a view to imparting knowledge
and lesson out of it.

Scope

5. The scope of our presentation is.

a. Background.
b. Religion and Moral Beliefs.
c. Military Career.
d. Important Battles and Events made him Famous.
e. Analysis of His Command and Leadership Performance.
f. Salient Character Qualities including Human Qualities.
g. Role of individual in Various Battles and Events.
h. Weakness.
j. Lesson Appropriate for Our Army.

Background

6. Childhood. George Smith Patton was born in 1885 in San Gabriel,

California. His family, originally from Virginia, had a long military heritage,
including service in the Civil War he enjoyed a wealthy and privileged
childhood. His father was George S. Patton and his mother was Allen
Wilson.
7. Education. His early years were marred, however, by difficulties in
spelling and reading, which has led some historians to speculate that he
suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia. His formal education did not begin until
age 11, but, in time, he became a voracious reader and later in life
published numerous articles on military subjects. Patton enjoyed military
history in particular, especially books about the American Civil War, a
conflict in which his grandfather and great-uncle had been killed while
fighting for the Confederacy. Patton's education continued throughout his
military career. He was an avid reader and studied military history and
strategy extensively. He also attended various military schools and training
programs, including the Cavalry School at Fort Riley, the Command and
General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, and the Army War College in
Washington, D.C.

8. Working life. After graduating from West Point in 1909, Patton served
in various cavalry units, including a stint with the 15th Cavalry in Mexico
during the Punitive Expedition in 1916. He was later assigned to the newly
formed

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Tank Corps during World War I, where he developed his interest and
expertise in armored warfare. In World War II, Patton was one of the most
prominent and successful American commanders. He played a critical role
in the North African campaign, where he led the successful invasion of
Morocco and Algeria, and later, the capture of Tunisia. He then led the U.S.
Seventh Army during the invasion of Sicily and was instrumental in securing
the island. In 1944, Patton was given command of the U.S. Third Army,
which played a significant role in the Allied invasion of Normandy. His
tactical brilliance and bold leadership helped the Allies break through
German lines and advance rapidly through France, earning him the
nickname "Old Blood and Guts." Patton's military career was not without
controversy, however. He was known for his hot temper and impulsive
behavior, which sometimes landed him in trouble. In one notable incident,
he slapped a soldier suffering from battle fatigue, an action that led to his
temporary removal from command. Despite these setbacks, Patton
remained a respected and influential military leader. He continued to lead
the Third Army during the Battle of the Bulge and the subsequent invasion
of Germany, where his forces played a key role in the defeat of the Nazi
regime. Sadly, Patton's life and career were cut short when he was severely
injured in a car accident in December 1945. He died several days later at
the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest military
leaders in American history.

9. Married life. General George S. Patton was married to Beatrice Ayer

Patton, a wealthy heiress from Boston whom he met while stationed in
Hawaii in the early 1900s. The couple married in 1910 and went on to have
three children together: Beatrice, Ruth, and George Jr. Despite the
demands of his military career, Patton remained devoted to his family and
was known for his affectionate and playful relationship with his children. He
wrote numerous letters to his wife and children throughout his deployments,
expressing his love and concern for their well-being. However, the Patton’s
marriage was not without its challenges. Beatrice suffered from a nervous
disorder that made her prone to anxiety and depression, and Patton's
frequent absences and demanding military responsibilities only exacerbated
the situation. In his letters to his wife, Patton often expressed frustration and
impatience with her condition, though he also made efforts to provide her
with support and encouragement. The couple's marriage was further
strained by Patton's well-known affairs with other women, including a
younger actress named Jean Gordon. Beatrice was aware of her husband's
infidelities, but she chose to stay with him and continue to support him
throughout his career. Tragically, Beatrice was killed in a car accident in
1945, just months before Patton's own fatal accident. The loss of his
beloved wife was a devastating blow to Patton, who wrote in his diary that
he had lost "the finest woman I ever knew." Despite the challenges and
difficulties, Patton's marriage to

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Beatrice was an important and enduring part of his life. The couple
remained committed to each other through years of separation and
hardship, and their love and devotion to their family remained a constant
throughout Patton's storied military career.

10. Religion and Moral Beliefs. General George S. Patton was raised
in a devoutly Christian family and remained deeply religious throughout his
life. He was a member of the Episcopalian Church and often cited his faith
as a source of strength and inspiration. Patton's religious beliefs were
closely tied to his sense of duty and responsibility as a military leader. He
saw himself as an instrument of God's will and believed that his military
successes were a result of divine intervention. Patton was also known for
his strong moral code and sense of personal honor. He believed in the
importance of discipline, hard work, and sacrifice, and he held himself and
his troops to the highest standards of conduct. Despite his strong religious
and moral convictions, however, Patton was not without flaws. He could be
impulsive and sometimes showed a lack of empathy or understanding for
the struggles of others. His comments and behavior sometimes landed him
in hot water, and he was not always able to live up to the high standards he
set for himself and his troops. Nevertheless, Patton's faith and moral
principles remained a central part of his identity throughout his life, and they
helped to shape his approach to leadership and his vision for the military.
His legacy as a brilliant strategist and inspirational leader continues to
inspire soldiers and leaders today, and his unwavering commitment to his
beliefs serves as an enduring example of courage, discipline, and honor.

11. Retirement And Death. During the U.S. occupation of Germany,

George Patton was commanding the U.S. Fifteenth Army, a “paper” army
gathering historical information about the war. Wholly ill-suited for the
administrative position, Patton was on a hunting trip when he was critically
injured in a low-speed car accident. He died from his injuries on December
21, 1945.

Military Career
12. General George S. Patton was one of the most famous and influential
military leaders of the 20th century, known for his aggressive tactics and
unwavering determination in battle. Patton's military career began in 1909
when he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and dedicated soldier, serving in
various assignments throughout the United States and overseas. During
World War I, Patton commanded a tank brigade and played a significant
role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the largest and deadliest
battles of the war. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his
bravery and leadership in this campaign.

13. In World War II, Patton became a major general and commanded the

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Seventh Army during the invasion of Sicily in 1943. He later led the Third
Army during the Normandy campaign, playing a crucial role in the Allied
victory in Europe. Patton's leadership and aggressive tactics were
instrumental in breaking through German defenses and advancing rapidly
across France. However, Patton's career was not without controversy. He
was known for his outspokenness and occasional insubordination, and he
was relieved of command at various times throughout his career. In 1945,
he was removed from his post as military governor of Bavaria after making
controversial remarks about the Jewish people. Despite these setbacks,
Patton is remembered as one of the most successful and influential military
leaders in American history. His leadership and tactical innovations helped
to shape modern warfare, and his legacy continues to inspire military
leaders today.

Important Battle and Event that Made Him Famous

14. General George S. Patton was a prominent figure in World War II

and was known for his strategic military leadership and aggressive fighting
style. Here are some of the battles and events that made him famous.

a. North African Campaign. In 1942, he led the American II

Corps in the North African Campaign, where his troops
successfully pushed back the German Afrika Korps under the
command of General Erwin Rommel. Patton's tactical prowess
and aggressive leadership were instrumental in securing key
victories for the Allies in North Africa.

b. Invasion of Sicily. In July 1943, Patton commanded the

Seventh U.S. Army during the invasion of Sicily, which was a
critical step in the Allies' campaign to liberate Italy. Despite tough
opposition from German forces, Patton's troops were able to
secure the island within a month, opening up a new front in the
Mediterranean theater.

c. Battle of the Bulge. In December 1944, Patton was given

command of the Third U.S. Army and played a key role in the
Battle of the Bulge, a major German offensive in the Ardennes
forest. Patton's aggressive tactics and quick decision-making
helped to turn the tide of the battle and ultimately led to the defeat
of the German forces.

d. Liberation of Buchenwald. In April 1945, Patton's Third

Army liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany.

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The horrific conditions and atrocities that Patton and his troops
witnessed at the camp deeply affected him and reinforced his
belief in the importance of defeating the Nazi regime.

e. Rhine River crossing. In March 1945, he led the Third

Army in a successful crossing of the Rhine River, which was a
major obstacle in the Allies' advance into Germany. His bold
tactics and swift movements allowed his troops to quickly
establish a bridgehead on the other side of the river and continue
their march towards Berlin.

15. Overall, Patton's leadership and military accomplishments during

World War II made him a legendary figure in American history and a symbol
of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.

Analysis of His Command and Leadership Performance

16. General George S. Patton was a visionary and ethical leader who
used key leadership concepts like open-mindedness, team dynamics, sound
ethical behavior, and inspirational motivation to inspire a nation, overcome
insurmountable odds, and ultimately guide the Third Army to victory during
WWII. General Patton’s ethical and visionary leadership styles showed
when he utilized his open-mindedness and team dynamic role of “creator” to
incorporate an aerial assault into his operational strategies and avoided the
ethical trap of uncertainty when he combined the two tactics without any
pre-established policy. General Patton also displayed visionary leadership
by his use of inspirational motivation, constant presence on the battle field.

“Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit
of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.”
– Gen. George S. Patton
17. General Patton once stated, “Prepare for the unknown by studying
how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the
unpredictable.” Great leaders in the past have much to teach us, and by
studying some of their successes and failures, we become better leaders
ourselves. Patton is widely considered one of the most famous and effective
military leaders of the past century. He produced more results, in less time,
with fewer casualties than any other general, in any army during WW2. His
bold tactics and impressive ability to instill trust in his troops were
instrumental in turning the tides of the decisive Battle of the Bulge. During

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this key time of the war, his proposed strategy was so audacious many of
his superiors thought it impossible. However, it is now considered one of the
top 10 military moves of all time. After much convincing and finally getting
the OK from his superior, Gen. Eisenhower, Patton wasted no time, went
straight to the front of the line, and took charge of the bold maneuver
himself. Carlo D’Este wrote in the Quarterly Journal of Military History, “to
prepare for a major counterattack in less than 72 hours was astonishing.
Only a commander with exceptional confidence in his subordinate
commanders and in the professional skill of his fighting divisions could dare
risk such a venture.” His unexpected tactics and his swift implementation of
them surprised the Germans and saved hundreds of lives in the process.
This not only took courage, confidence, and guts, it required unfaltering
discipline and trust throughout his chain of command. We as business
leaders can learn a great deal from Patton and his effectiveness on the
battlefield. We can see various invaluable leadership qualities this man
possessed and apply them to a business perspective.
18. Patton had the utmost confidence and trust in his “managers” and
employees to accomplish his audacious goals. Patton had unwavering
willpower to pursue these goals and the fortitude to ignore those who
believed it impossible. He possessed long-run vision, ability to discover
weaknesses in the competition and waste no time to exploit them. Patton’s
leadership style can be best summed up in his following quotes which
remain remarkably relevant to this day: “Do everything you ask of those you
command.” Patton believed leadership was done from the front, he
understood that no one would follow a leader that didn’t know what the work
was like first-hand; “No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair.” In
the military, if you spend all of your time in the office, you have no idea of
what real combat is like. Patton believed he could not lead his men
effectively unless he got his hands dirty himself. That way he could
understand exactly what he was asking of them. His inspirational style and
aura rubbed off on people fighting beside him, and it came from setting a
personal example. Finally, “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them
what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” George S. Patton
is one of history’s most celebrated and well-remembered American
generals. Countless books and movies have been made about his life,
many of which chronicle his leadership styles. Patton wasn’t afraid to
reprimand men for keeping them in line. As such, Patton almost always
spoke his mind. kept his communication lines open whenever plans had to
come into place. He would get everyone’s consensus whenever that was
possible. Integrity was a big priority for General Patton, which went hand-in-
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hand with his preaching of honor. Honorable men should tell the truth and
refrain from judging others. Success: To illustrate his preparedness and
strong will, Patton always preached a positive mindset and remained
optimistic. He remained confident in his abilities and backed them up by
being a dependable military figure. The first, and possibly the most
important, principle that George Patton followed was a command. He
always preached the establishment of a robust and commanding presence.
Seeing as his larger-than-life persona endures to this day, this shouldn’t be
a surprise. That’s not to say his accomplishments were achieved by himself,
as he often delegated tasks to those around him with excellent results.
Delegation requires accountability, and Patton always made sure his men
were accountable for their actions to provide success. No one, not even
himself, should consider themselves irreplaceable. Patton wasn’t afraid to
reprimand men for keeping them in line. As such, Patton almost always
spoke his mind.
19. Being a great leader to Patton wasn’t always just about command,
as managing hundreds or thousands of troops required more unique skills.
For starters, he always collected facts before making any decisions. To
make these informed decisions, Patton always got input from those around
him. He didn’t just let his men do what they wanted, as he always tried to
participate in all the ins and outs of his operations. In other words, he was
an active participant in the planning and execution of his strategies. Patton
always kept his priorities straight and put those in his mind when leading his
men. General Patton kept his communication lines open whenever plans
had to come into place. He would get everyone’s consensus whenever that
was possible. He is known as someone who instilled confidence and vigor in
his men. His leadership style showed in his troops, who executed his
ambitious plans, plans that the military often saw as impossible. As regular
citizens, a key takeaway from Patton’s leadership style is his strong vision
and ability to block out detractors. His confidence in himself and his
strategies spoke to his genuine belief in himself. Confidence in oneself
translates to more pronounced outcomes. This leads to greater trust among
colleagues. This eventually leads to success. Most of us aren’t as bold or
cunning as George Patton. However, his leadership qualities are replicable
and relevant to most leadership positions Nevertheless, George
Patton's leadership principles have substance and are as meaningful
today as they were in the life-and-death struggle of war more than 70 years
ago. Some examples:
20. Patton’s principles of command and management.
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a. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

b. Always be alert to the source of trouble.
c. Select leaders for accomplishment and not for affection.
d. Every leader must have the authority to match his
responsibility.

21. Patton’s principles for good health.

a. Brainpower comes from the lungs.
b. An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body.
c. There is no power in a bushel of blubber.
d. Make the mind command the body. Never let the body
command the mind.
e. To gain strength, always go beyond exhaustion.

22. Patton’s principles for making decisions:

a. In the long run, it is what we do not say that will destroy us.
b. Talk with the troops.
c. Know what you know and know what you do not know.
d. Never make a decision too early or too late.

Salient Character Qualities Including Human Qualities

23. General George S. Patton was known for his humane qualities,
which sometimes contrasted with his tough exterior and reputation as a no-
nonsense military commander. One of his most notable acts of humanity
was his outspoken opposition to the mistreatment of German prisoners of
war. In 1945, he wrote a letter to his superiors in which he expressed his
disgust at the conditions in which German POWs were being held, and
called for better treatment of the prisoners. Patton also had a strong sense
of empathy and compassion for his own soldiers. He was known to
personally visit and comfort wounded soldiers in the hospital, and to take a
personal interest in their well-being. In addition, Patton was a strong

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advocate for the integration of African American soldiers into the U.S. Army,
and he worked to improve their treatment and opportunities within the
military. Despite his reputation as a tough and uncompromising leader,
these acts of humanity demonstrate that General George S. Patton had a
deeply caring and compassionate side to his character.

24. One of General George S. Patton's most salient character qualities

was his unwavering determination and perseverance. He was known for his
relentless pursuit of victory, and his refusal to give up in the face of
obstacles or setbacks. Patton was also renowned for his courage and
bravery on the battlefield, and his ability to inspire his troops to fight with
equal valor. He led from the front, often risking his own life to achieve
strategic objectives. Additionally, Patton was known for his strict discipline
and attention to detail. He demanded the highest standards of performance
from his soldiers, and was uncompromising when it came to matters of
military protocol and professionalism. Despite his reputation for being tough
and uncompromising, Patton was also a deeply intelligent and thoughtful
leader, who was well-versed in military strategy and history. He was a
prolific writer and thinker, and his ideas about warfare and leadership
continue to be studied and debated to this day.

Role of Individual in various battles and events.

25. The role of the General in different battles and events are as
under.
a. Pancho Villa Expedition. In March 1916, Mexican forces
loyal to Pancho Villa crossed into New Mexico and raided the
border town of Columbus. The violence in Columbus killed
several Americans. In response, the U.S. launched the Pancho
Villa Expedition into Mexico. Chagrined to discover that his unit
would not participate, Patton appealed to expedition commander
John J. Pershing, and was named his personal aide for the
expedition. This meant that Patton would have some role in
organizing the effort, and his eagerness and dedication to the task
impressed Pershing. Patton modeled much of his leadership style
after Pershing, who favored strong, decisive actions and
commanding from the front. As an aide, Patton oversaw the
logistics of Pershing's transportation and acted as his personal
courier. In mid-April, Patton asked Pershing for the opportunity to
command troops, and was assigned to Troop C of the 13th
Cavalry to assist in the manhunt for Villa and his subordinates.
His initial combat experience came on May 14, 1916, in what
would become the first motorized attack in the history of U.S.
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warfare. A force of ten soldiers and two civilian guides, under

Patton's command, with the 6th Infantry in three Dodge touring
cars surprised three of Villa's men during a foraging expedition,
killing Julio Cárdenas and two of his guards. It was not clear if
Patton personally killed any of the men, but he was known to
have wounded all three. The incident garnered Patton both
Pershing's good favor and widespread media attention as a
"bandit killer". Shortly after, he was promoted to first lieutenant
while a part of the 10th Cavalry on May 23, 1916. Patton remained
in Mexico until the end of the year. President Woodrow Wilson
forbade the expedition from conducting aggressive patrols deeper
into Mexico, so it remained encamped in the Mexican border
states for much of that time. In October Patton briefly retired to
California after being burned by an exploding gas lamp. He
returned from the expedition permanently in February 1917.

b. North African Campaign. Under Lieutenant General

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, Patton
was assignedto help plan the Allied invasion of French North
Africa as part of Operation Torch in the summer of 1942. Patton
commanded the Western Task Force, consisting of 33,000 men in
100 ships, in landings centered on Casablanca, Morocco. The
landings, which took place on November 8, 1942, were opposed
by Vichy French forces, but Patton's men quickly gained a
beachhead and pushed through fierce resistance. Casablanca fell
on November 11 and Patton negotiated an armistice with French
General Charles Noguès. The Sultan of Morocco was so
impressed that he presented Patton with the Order of Ouissam
Alaouite, with the citation "Les Lions dans leurs tanières tremblent
en le voyant approcher" (The lions in their dens tremble at his
approach). Patton oversaw the conversion of Casablanca into a
military port and hosted the Casablanca Conference in January
1943.On March 6, 1943, following the defeat of the U.S. II Corps
by the German Afrika Korps, commanded by General field
marshal Erwin Rommel, at the Battle of Kasserine Pass, Patton
replaced Major General Lloyd Fredendall as Commanding
General of the II Corps and was promoted to lieutenant general.
Soon thereafter, he had Major General Omar Bradley reassigned
to his corps as its deputy commander. With orders to take the
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battered and demoralized formation into action in 10 days' time,

Patton immediately introduced sweeping changes, ordering all
soldiers to wear clean, pressed and complete uniforms,
establishing rigorous schedules, and requiring strict adherence to
military protocol. He continuously moved throughout the
command talking with men, seeking to shape them into effective
soldiers. He pushed them hard, and sought to reward them well
for their accomplishments. His uncompromising leadership style is
evidenced by his orders for an attack on a hill position near Gafsa
which are reported to have ended by him saying, "I expect to see
such casualties among officers, particularly staff officers, as will
convince me that a serious effort has been made to capture this
objective. "Patton's training was effective, and on March 17, the
U.S. 1st Infantry Division took Gafsa, winning the Battle of El
Guettar, and pushing a German and Italian armored force back
twice. In the meantime, on April 5, he removed Major General
Orlando Ward, commanding the 1st Armored Division, after its
lackluster performance at Maknassy against numerically inferior
German forces. Advancing on Gabès, Patton's corps pressured
the Mareth Line. During this time, he reported to British General
Sir Harold Alexander, commander of the 18th Army Group, and
came into conflict with Air Vice Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham
about the lack of close air support being provided for his troops.
When Coningham dispatched three officers to Patton's
headquarters to persuade him that the British were providing
ample air support, they came under German air attack mid-
meeting, and part of the ceiling of Patton's office collapsed around
them. Speaking later of the German pilots who had struck, Patton
remarked, "if I could find the sons of bitches who flew those
planes, I'd mail each of them a medal." By the time his force
reached Gabès, the Germans had abandoned it. He then
relinquished command of II Corps to Bradley, and returned to the
I Armored Corps in Casablanca to help plan Operation Husky, the
Allied invasion of Sicily. Fearing U.S. troops would be sidelined,
he convinced British commanders to allow them to continue
fighting through to the end of the Tunisia Campaign before
leaving on this new assignment.
c. Sicily Campaign. For Operation Husky, the invasion of
Sicily, Patton was to command the Seventh United States Army,
dubbed the Western Task Force, in landings at Gela, Scoglitti
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and Licata to support landings by General Sir Bernard

Montgomery's British Eighth Army. Patton's I Armored Corps was
officially redesignated the Seventh Army just before his force of
90,000 landed before dawn on D-Day, July 10, 1943, on beaches
near the town of Licata. The armada was hampered by wind and
weather, but despite this the three U.S. infantry divisions involved,
the 3rd, 1st, and 45th, secured their respective beaches. They
then repulsed counterattacks at Gela, where Patton personally led
his troops against German reinforcements from the Hermann
Göring Division. Two high-profile incidents of Patton striking
subordinates during the Sicily campaign attracted national
controversy following the end of the campaign. On August 3,
1943, Patton slapped and verbally abused Private Charles H.
Kuhl at an evacuation hospital in Nicosia after he had been found
to suffer from "battle fatigue". On August 10, Patton slapped
Private Paul G. Bennett under similar circumstances. Ordering
both soldiers back to the front lines, Patton railed against
cowardice and issued orders to his commanders to discipline any
soldier making similar complaints.
d. Phantom Army. The German High Command had more
respect for Patton than for any other Allied commander and
considered him to be central to any plan to invade Europe from
England. Because of this, Patton was made a prominent figure in
the deception scheme Operation Fortitude during the first half of
1944. Through the British network of double-agents, the Allies fed
German intelligence a steady stream of false reports about troops
sightings and that Patton had been named commander of the
First United States Army Group (FUSAG), all designed to
convince the Germans that Patton was preparing this massive
command for an invasion at Pas de Calais. FUSAG was in reality
an intricately constructed fictitious army of decoys, props, and
fake radio signal traffic based around Dover to mislead German
reconnaissance planes and to make Axis leaders believe that a
large force was massing there. This helped to mask the real
location of the invasion in Normandy. Patton was ordered to keep
a low profile to deceive the Germans into thinking that he was in
Dover throughout early 1944, when he was actually training the
Third Army. As a result of Operation Fortitude, the German 15th
Army remained at the Pas de Calais to defend against Patton's
supposed attack. So strong was their conviction that this was the
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main landing area that the German army held its position there
even after the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, believing it
to be a diversionary force. Patton flew to France a month later,
and then returned to combat command.

e. Normandy Offensive. Sailing to Normandy throughout

July, Patton's Third Army formed on the extreme right (west) of
the Allied land forces, and became operational at noon on August
1, 1944, under Bradley's Twelfth United States Army Group. The
Third Army simultaneously attacked west into Brittany, south, east
toward the Seine, and north, assisting in trapping several hundred
thousand German soldiers in the Falaise Pocket between Falaise
and Argentan.
f. Lorraine Campaign. Patton's offensive came to a halt on
August 31, 1944, as the Third Army ran out of fuel near the
Moselle River, just outside Metz. The halt of the Third Army
during the month of September was enough to allow the Germans
to strengthen the fortress of Metz. In October and November, the
Third Army was mired in a near-stalemate with the Germans
during the Battle of Metz, both sides suffering heavy casualties.
An attempt by Patton to seize Fort Driant just south of Metz was
defeated, but by mid-November Metz had fallen to the Americans.
Patton's decisions in taking this city were criticized. German
commanders interviewed after the war noted he could have
bypassed the city and moved north to Luxembourg where he
would have been able to cut off the German Seventh Army.[172]
The German commander of Metz, General Hermann Balck, also
noted that a more direct attack would have resulted in a more
decisive Allied victory in the city. Historian Carlo D'Este later
wrote that the Lorraine campaign was one of Patton's least
successful, faulting him for not deploying his divisions more
aggressively and decisively.
g. Battle of the Bulge. In December 1944, the German
army, under the command of German Field Marshal Gerd von
Rundstedt, launched a last-ditch offensive across Belgium,
Luxembourg, and northeastern France. On December 16, 1944, it
massed 29 divisions totaling 250,000 men at a weak point in the
Allied lines, and during the early stages of the ensuing Battle of
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the Bulge, made significant headway towards the Meuse River

during a severe winter. Eisenhower called a meeting of all senior
Allied commanders on the Western Front at a headquarters near
Verdun on the morning of December 19 to plan strategy and a
response to the German assault. At the time, Patton's Third Army
was engaged in heavy fighting near Saarbrücken. Guessing the
intent of the Allied command meeting, Patton ordered his staff to
make three separate operational contingency orders to disengage
elements of the Third Army from its present position and begin
offensive operations toward several objectives in the area of the
bulge occupied by German forces. Patton's staff, mobilizing three
divisions—the 4th Armored Division, the 80th Infantry Division,
and the 26th Infantry Division—from the Third Army and moving
them north toward Bastogne. In all, Patton would reposition six full
divisions, U.S. III Corps and U.S. XII Corps, from their positions
on the Saar River front along a line stretching from Bastogne to
Diekirch and to Echternach, the town in Luxembourg that had
been at the southern end of the initial "Bulge" front line on
December 16. Within a few days, more than 133,000 Third Army
vehicles were rerouted into an offensive that covered an average
distance of over 11 miles (18 km) per vehicle, followed by support
echelons carrying 62,000 tonnes (61,000 long tons; 68,000 short
tons) of supplies. On December 26, 1944, the first spearhead
units of the Third Army's 4th Armored Division reached Bastogne,
opening a corridor for relief and resupply of the besieged forces.
Patton's ability to disengage six divisions from front line combat
during the middle of winter, then wheel north to relieve Bastogne
was one of his most remarkable achievements during the war. He
later wrote that the relief of Bastogne was "the most brilliant
operation we have thus far performed, and it is in my opinion the
outstanding achievement of the war. This is my biggest battle."

h. Task Force Baum. On March 26, 1945, Patton sent Task

Force Baum, consisting of 314 men, 16 tanks, and assorted other
vehicles, 50 miles (80 km) behind German lines to liberate the
prisoner of war camp OFLAG XIII-B, near Hammelburg. Patton
knew that one of the inmates was his son-in-law, Lieutenant
Colonel John K. Waters. The raid was a failure, and only 35 men
made it back; the rest were either killed or captured, and all 57
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vehicles were lost. Patton reported this attempt to liberate Oflag

XIII-B as the only mistake he made during World War II. When
Eisenhower learned of the secret mission, he was furious. Patton
later said he felt the correct decision would have been to send a
Combat Command, which is a force about three times larger.
j. Third Army. In its advance from the Rhine to the Elbe,
Patton's Third Army, which numbered between 250,000
and300,000 men at any given time, captured 32,763 square miles
(84,860 km2) of German territory. Its losses were 2,102 killed,
7,954 wounded, and 1,591 missing. German losses in the fighting
against the Third Army totaled 20,100 killed, 47,700 wounded,
and 653,140 captured. Between becoming operational in
Normandy on August 1, 1944, and the end of hostilities on May 9,
1945, the Third Army was in continuous combat for 281 days. In
that time, it crossed 24 major rivers and captured 81,500 square
miles (211,000 sq km) of territory, including more than 12,000
cities and towns. The Third Army claimed to have killed,
wounded, or captured 1,811,388 German soldiers, six times its
strength in personnel. Fuller's review of Third Army records differs
only in the number of enemy killed and wounded, stating that
between August 1, 1944, and May 9, 1945, 47,500 of the enemy
were killed, 115,700 wounded, and 1,280,688 captured, for a total
of 1,443,888.

Weakness

26. In the negative column, Patton didn’t know how to keep his mouth
shut. He was his own favorite general and said so. Bradley was jealous of
Patton’s success and notoriety and was a bit of a schemer—so anytime
Patton said or did something outrageous (which was frequently) Bradley
saw to it that he profited from Georgie’s mistakes. Patton also never really
grasped the idea of logistics. He understood it of course but he was much
more interested in the point of the spear, not the heavy lifting required to get
the fuel and ammo and rations to the front. He left that to others with varying
degrees of success. Finally, in the negative column, Patton was advanced
about as far as his skillset would allow. A lot like Robert E. Lee in a way.
Patton—like Lee—was an inspiring commander and his troops (contrary to
the movie) thought highly of him. They knew as soldiers that speed is life in
a combat zone. But Patton—like Lee—was out of his depth beyond
commanding an army. As an aside, the notion that Patton was pre-occupied
with race or skin color or was anti-Semitic or that the US military had him

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killed in some wacky conspiracy (seriously Bill O’Reilly?) is absolute

nonsense.

Lesson Appropriate for Our Army

27. General George S. Patton was a legendary military leader who
played a crucial role in World War II. His leadership style and tactics are still
studied and emulated by military professionals around the world. Here are
some lessons from his life that may be relevant to the Bangladesh Army:

a. The Importance of Preparation. General Patton was a

firm believer in the importance of preparation. He believed that
success in battle was determined by how well you were prepared.
The Bangladesh Army should prioritize training and preparation to
ensure they are ready for any situation.

b. Leadership by Example. Patton led from the front and

was always at the forefront of the action. He believed that leaders
should set an example for their troops to follow. The Bangladesh
Army should strive to emulate this leadership style to instill
discipline and inspire their troops.

c. The Importance of Flexibility. Patton was known for his

ability to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield. He
believed that plans should be flexible and adaptable to changing
circumstances. The Bangladesh Army should adopt this mindset
to be able to respond to unexpected situations.

d. Embrace Technology. Patton was an early adopter of

new military technologies, such as tanks and planes. The
Bangladesh Army should stay up-to-date with the latest military
technology to maintain a technological edge over their
adversaries.

e. The Importance of Logistics. Patton understood the

importance of logistics in maintaining a successful military
campaign. The Bangladesh Army should prioritize logistics to
ensure that their troops are well-equipped and well-supplied.

f. Focus on morale. Patton believed that morale was critical

to success on the battlefield. The Bangladesh Army should focus
on improving the morale of their troops to maintain their fighting
spirit in difficult circumstances.
Our Army has a lot to turn in from General Patton's life, particularly the
importance of preparation, leadership by example, flexibility, embracing
technology, logistics, and focusing on morale. By applying these lessons,
the Bangladesh Army can enhance their readiness and improve their

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effectiveness in protecting their nation.

Conclusion

28. In conclusion, General George S. Patton was one of the most

influential military leaders of the 20th century. His life was marked by a deep
commitment to duty, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and an unyielding
determination to win. Patton's strategic vision and tactical brilliance played a
critical role in many of the most important battles of World War II, including
the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Europe.
29. Despite his many accomplishments, Patton was also a controversial
figure. His outspoken personality and tendency to speak his mind often put
him at odds with his superiors and colleagues. Additionally, his involvement
in the "slapping incidents" and other controversial actions during the war
tarnished his reputation in some circles.

30. Nevertheless, Patton's legacy endures. His unwavering commitment

to duty, his fearless leadership, and his uncompromising determination to
succeed continue to inspire military leaders and aspiring soldiers around the
world. As we reflect on Patton's life and career, we are reminded of the
sacrifices and accomplishments of those who have served their country,
and we are challenged to live up to his example of excellence and
dedication in all aspects of our own lives.

(31-100) Reserved.

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