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The Great Commanders
Война, какой я ее знал
Дж. С. Паттон — одна из ярчайших фигур в истории Второй мировой войны. С 1942 г. он — активный участник боевых действий в Северной Африке, где командовал Западной оперативной группой войск армии США, а затем на Сицилии, приняв в июле 1944 г. в Нормандии командование Третьей армией США, Дж. С. Паттон встречает окончание войны уже в Чехословакии. Военные мемуары Паттона могут быть не только увлекательным чтением для любителей военной истории, но и служить источником по истории Второй мировой войны.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1947
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3752 people want to read
About the author
George S. Patton Jr.
38 books146 followersGeorge Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.
Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1909. In 1916–17, he participated in the unsuccessful Pancho Villa Expedition, a U.S. operation that attempted to capture the Mexican revolutionary. In World War I, he was the first officer assigned to the new United States Tank Corps and saw action in France.
In World War II, he commanded corps and armies in North Africa, Sicily, and the European Theater of Operations. In 1944, Patton assumed command of the U.S. Third Army, which under his leadership advanced farther, captured more enemy prisoners, and liberated more territory in less time than any other army in military history.
On December 9, 1945, Patton was severely injured in a road accident in Heidelberg, Germany. In the crash Patton received a severe cervical spinal cord injury. Paralyzed from the neck down, he was rushed to the military hospital in Heidelberg. Patton died of a pulmonary embolism on December 21, 1945.
Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1909. In 1916–17, he participated in the unsuccessful Pancho Villa Expedition, a U.S. operation that attempted to capture the Mexican revolutionary. In World War I, he was the first officer assigned to the new United States Tank Corps and saw action in France.
In World War II, he commanded corps and armies in North Africa, Sicily, and the European Theater of Operations. In 1944, Patton assumed command of the U.S. Third Army, which under his leadership advanced farther, captured more enemy prisoners, and liberated more territory in less time than any other army in military history.
On December 9, 1945, Patton was severely injured in a road accident in Heidelberg, Germany. In the crash Patton received a severe cervical spinal cord injury. Paralyzed from the neck down, he was rushed to the military hospital in Heidelberg. Patton died of a pulmonary embolism on December 21, 1945.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 3, 2008
I'm more enamored with Patton than ever! I read this books and simultaneously watched a few films about Patton. And now I can say from experience, that "you are what you listen to." (this was a book on tape). Just after finishing the book, I taught a class at church. I got so passionate about one story I was telling that I swore!! -- (The 'd' word.) It was a perfectly good Patton word to use. I had just told Hal that swearing didn't bother me so much when Patton was swearing. Me and George S!!!
This book actually had very few swear words---and none in his letters---compared to many other WWII books.
I would really give this book 3 1/2 stars---I liked the beginning and the end, but the middle got a little dry. Throughout the book there were plenty of anecdotes teaching leadership skills. Patton was so educated and an excellent writer. This book contained his letters to his wife, from Africa, and the history and culture he shares is fascinating.
I would recommend this to any WWII fan, history buffs, and those wishing to learn more leadership skills!
This book actually had very few swear words---and none in his letters---compared to many other WWII books.
I would really give this book 3 1/2 stars---I liked the beginning and the end, but the middle got a little dry. Throughout the book there were plenty of anecdotes teaching leadership skills. Patton was so educated and an excellent writer. This book contained his letters to his wife, from Africa, and the history and culture he shares is fascinating.
I would recommend this to any WWII fan, history buffs, and those wishing to learn more leadership skills!
April 25, 2008
One of my great uncles was part of Patton's 3rd Army, and when he died, his rotten f-ing grandkids attacked his house like locusts, tossing out 80+ years of keepsakes & antiques that they couldn't pawn or sell on ebay.
One of my little treasures that my mom snagged was his copy of "War as I Knew It".
The only truly charasmatic person I've ever been in the presence of was Pope John Paul II, and that was simply stunning. I cant imagine what it was like to be around Patton. The man truly was larger than life.
One of my little treasures that my mom snagged was his copy of "War as I Knew It".
The only truly charasmatic person I've ever been in the presence of was Pope John Paul II, and that was simply stunning. I cant imagine what it was like to be around Patton. The man truly was larger than life.
April 25, 2011
Published in 1947 just two years after his death, General George S. Patton's "War As I Knew It" was assembled and edited from his wartime diary. It is fascinating reading, but needs to be read as a diary, not an autobiography, and if the reader has a knowledge of events beyond what is in the diary it helps.
January 5, 2016
Great Book! Not just history, but WWII tactical manual as well. He tells of some pretty amazing stuff too, like how REAL Sicilian tomatoe sauce is made. Yuk!
September 1, 2020
Patton’s “War As I Knew It” is an impressive, posthumously published book (first published in 1947 after Patton's death in 1945). It's well worth the price just for Rick Atkinson’s insightful introduction (in the print book; Kindle intro by Douglas Southall Freeman) and Patton’s Letters of Instruction at the end. What follows are some quotes and commentary I gleaned from the book:
Just as Lee had Stonewall Jackson, a strategist like Eisenhower had his work supplemented by a superb tactician like General George S. Patton. Patton had been a personal aide to General Pershing during WWI and had gone on to champion the use of tanks. During WWII, he was successful in the North Africa and Sicily campaigns, becoming much feared by the Germans. The Allies used Patton’s reputation to advantage during the Normandy invasion. They put Patton in charge of what amounted to a phantom army stationed near Dover, England, prompting the Germans to believe that the invasion was to come at Calais, the closest city on the other side of the Channel. This deception spread the German defense thinner at Normandy, the real target, than it otherwise would have been.
Patton’s 3rd Army under General Bradley’s 12 US Army Group, became operational in Normandy on 1 August 1944 and simultaneously attacked west, east, and north, quickly trapping several hundred thousand German soldiers in an area called the Falaise (Normandy) Pocket. Aggressively employing speed, effective reconnaissance, and tactical air support, Patton’s Army moved east until it ran out of gas and halted in place. In December, the Germans took the offense with Battle of the Bulge. Resupplied and in response, Patton wheeled one part of his army north, relieved the 101st Airborne Division trapped at Bastogne, and then ran east through the frozen Ardennes, hitting the Germans in the flank. The other part of his army attacked east, with the two parts meeting to trap 60K German soldiers and 10K square miles of territory. By the time the war ended, Patton was camped in Czechoslovakia, requesting to attack Prague.
Patton believed that, while there is no approved solution to any tactical situation, there is one, but only one, tactical principle which is not subject to change: “To so use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wounds, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum time.” In battle, casualties are directly proportional to the time exposed to effective fire. One’s fire reduces the effectiveness of the enemy’s, while quickness of attack shortens the time of exposure. Battles are won by frightening the enemy, and this is best done by infliction him with death and wounds. Fire from the rear is more deadly and three times more effective than fire from the front. To get fire behind the enemy, one must hold him by frontal fire and race around his flank. Frontal attacks against prepared positions should be avoided. One can never be too strong: one should get every man and gun possible, provided it does not unduly delay one’s attack. The larger the force and the more violence one uses in the attack, the smaller will be one’s losses. Never yield ground. Mortars and artillery are superb weapons when they are firing; when silent, they are junk – see that they keep firing! In mountain country or when forcing a pass, secure the heights first. In battle, small forces can do one of three things: go forward, halt, or run. Halting or running makes them an even easier target. There is a universal failure to repeat verbal orders back. This failure can result in grave errors. There is a tendency to overload junior officers by excessive and non-essential training and report requirements, which can be alleviated by eliminating non-essential demands.
“While infantry must move to close with the enemy, it must shoot to move. When targets are not visible, infantry weapon fire must search enemy-occupied areas. Use marching fire to reduce the accuracy of enemy fire and increase one’s confidence. Shoot short. Ricochets make nastier sounds and wounds. The bayonet kills few men, but many are scared by it. Construct dummy batteries. In choosing sites for them, avoid places where fire directed at them will adversely affect other arms. The primary mission of armored units is attacking infantry and artillery. The enemy’s rear is the happy hunting ground for armor. Use every means to get it there. Against counter-attacks, the offensive use of armor striking the flank is decisive. Forward observers provide sixty-five to seventy-five percent of all artillery targets. Junior reconnaissance officers must be very inquisitive, setting an example, producing accurate reports, and not losing contact while on mission. An officer must be the last man to take shelter from fire, and the first to move forward. Similarly, he must be the last man to look after his comfort at the close of a march.”
Letters of Instruction: There is only one sort of discipline – perfect discipline. Discipline can only be obtained when all officers are so imbued with the sense of their awful obligation to their men and their country that they cannot tolerate negligence. Officers who fail to correct errors or to praise excellence are valueless in peace and dangerous misfits in war. Officers must assert themselves by example and by voice. They must be pre-eminent in courage, deportment, and dress. One of the primary purposes of discipline is to produce alertness. ...ceremonies are a great help to give them that perfect discipline. Officers must possess self-confidence and the confidence of their men. Two of the best ways of producing this are meticulously conducted close-order drill, led by officers, and platoon marches...during which the platoon is wholly on its own.
Combat principles: A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood! “Catch the enemy by the nose with fire and kick him in the pants with fire emplaced through movement.” Hit hard soon; you can never be too strong. Get every man and gun you can secure, provided it does not unduly delay your attack. Officers must possess self-confidence and the confidence of their men. German prisoners over forty talk more quickly than the younger ones. To halt under fire is folly. To halt under fire and not fire back is suicide. Move forward out of fire. Officers must set an example. If you cannot see the enemy, you can at least shoot at the place where he is apt to be.
Bottom line from a fellow author, a fascinating read from the pen of one of history’s great captains!
Just as Lee had Stonewall Jackson, a strategist like Eisenhower had his work supplemented by a superb tactician like General George S. Patton. Patton had been a personal aide to General Pershing during WWI and had gone on to champion the use of tanks. During WWII, he was successful in the North Africa and Sicily campaigns, becoming much feared by the Germans. The Allies used Patton’s reputation to advantage during the Normandy invasion. They put Patton in charge of what amounted to a phantom army stationed near Dover, England, prompting the Germans to believe that the invasion was to come at Calais, the closest city on the other side of the Channel. This deception spread the German defense thinner at Normandy, the real target, than it otherwise would have been.
Patton’s 3rd Army under General Bradley’s 12 US Army Group, became operational in Normandy on 1 August 1944 and simultaneously attacked west, east, and north, quickly trapping several hundred thousand German soldiers in an area called the Falaise (Normandy) Pocket. Aggressively employing speed, effective reconnaissance, and tactical air support, Patton’s Army moved east until it ran out of gas and halted in place. In December, the Germans took the offense with Battle of the Bulge. Resupplied and in response, Patton wheeled one part of his army north, relieved the 101st Airborne Division trapped at Bastogne, and then ran east through the frozen Ardennes, hitting the Germans in the flank. The other part of his army attacked east, with the two parts meeting to trap 60K German soldiers and 10K square miles of territory. By the time the war ended, Patton was camped in Czechoslovakia, requesting to attack Prague.
Patton believed that, while there is no approved solution to any tactical situation, there is one, but only one, tactical principle which is not subject to change: “To so use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wounds, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum time.” In battle, casualties are directly proportional to the time exposed to effective fire. One’s fire reduces the effectiveness of the enemy’s, while quickness of attack shortens the time of exposure. Battles are won by frightening the enemy, and this is best done by infliction him with death and wounds. Fire from the rear is more deadly and three times more effective than fire from the front. To get fire behind the enemy, one must hold him by frontal fire and race around his flank. Frontal attacks against prepared positions should be avoided. One can never be too strong: one should get every man and gun possible, provided it does not unduly delay one’s attack. The larger the force and the more violence one uses in the attack, the smaller will be one’s losses. Never yield ground. Mortars and artillery are superb weapons when they are firing; when silent, they are junk – see that they keep firing! In mountain country or when forcing a pass, secure the heights first. In battle, small forces can do one of three things: go forward, halt, or run. Halting or running makes them an even easier target. There is a universal failure to repeat verbal orders back. This failure can result in grave errors. There is a tendency to overload junior officers by excessive and non-essential training and report requirements, which can be alleviated by eliminating non-essential demands.
“While infantry must move to close with the enemy, it must shoot to move. When targets are not visible, infantry weapon fire must search enemy-occupied areas. Use marching fire to reduce the accuracy of enemy fire and increase one’s confidence. Shoot short. Ricochets make nastier sounds and wounds. The bayonet kills few men, but many are scared by it. Construct dummy batteries. In choosing sites for them, avoid places where fire directed at them will adversely affect other arms. The primary mission of armored units is attacking infantry and artillery. The enemy’s rear is the happy hunting ground for armor. Use every means to get it there. Against counter-attacks, the offensive use of armor striking the flank is decisive. Forward observers provide sixty-five to seventy-five percent of all artillery targets. Junior reconnaissance officers must be very inquisitive, setting an example, producing accurate reports, and not losing contact while on mission. An officer must be the last man to take shelter from fire, and the first to move forward. Similarly, he must be the last man to look after his comfort at the close of a march.”
Letters of Instruction: There is only one sort of discipline – perfect discipline. Discipline can only be obtained when all officers are so imbued with the sense of their awful obligation to their men and their country that they cannot tolerate negligence. Officers who fail to correct errors or to praise excellence are valueless in peace and dangerous misfits in war. Officers must assert themselves by example and by voice. They must be pre-eminent in courage, deportment, and dress. One of the primary purposes of discipline is to produce alertness. ...ceremonies are a great help to give them that perfect discipline. Officers must possess self-confidence and the confidence of their men. Two of the best ways of producing this are meticulously conducted close-order drill, led by officers, and platoon marches...during which the platoon is wholly on its own.
Combat principles: A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood! “Catch the enemy by the nose with fire and kick him in the pants with fire emplaced through movement.” Hit hard soon; you can never be too strong. Get every man and gun you can secure, provided it does not unduly delay your attack. Officers must possess self-confidence and the confidence of their men. German prisoners over forty talk more quickly than the younger ones. To halt under fire is folly. To halt under fire and not fire back is suicide. Move forward out of fire. Officers must set an example. If you cannot see the enemy, you can at least shoot at the place where he is apt to be.
Bottom line from a fellow author, a fascinating read from the pen of one of history’s great captains!
February 17, 2023
“Lead Me, Follow Me or Get Out of My Way." George S. Patton
From the invasion of Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge, George S. Patton was the most flamboyant, audacious Allied leader of WWII. If you are a student of WWII, you cannot forget his pearl-handled pistols and how he was driven by a profound belief that wars are won by killing the enemy as fast as possible. In this book is his personal diary that recounts a front-line view of his ventures from North Africa to his final resting at The American Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg. While much of the book reads like a rather dry historical diary of combat action, starting with the invasion of Africa to the end of war in Germany, the best part of the book is towards then end, where Patton provides very detailed instructions on how to prosecute war and emerge victorious. Despite these shortcomings, this book still gives many insights into Patton's persona not found in most other works. Too often, Patton is portrayed as a one-dimensional commander whose success relied on the discipline of his soldiers and his obsessiveness with the attack. Anyone reading this book will quickly discover that Patton's brilliance as a commander was based on a well-developed command philosophy. Patton understood that his role as an Army commander was to support his corps commanders and give them the moral support necessary when they grew weary. To the general reader this book provides a very particular view of the conflict, through the eyes of the one of the most controversial and polemical military strategists of modern history.
From the invasion of Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge, George S. Patton was the most flamboyant, audacious Allied leader of WWII. If you are a student of WWII, you cannot forget his pearl-handled pistols and how he was driven by a profound belief that wars are won by killing the enemy as fast as possible. In this book is his personal diary that recounts a front-line view of his ventures from North Africa to his final resting at The American Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg. While much of the book reads like a rather dry historical diary of combat action, starting with the invasion of Africa to the end of war in Germany, the best part of the book is towards then end, where Patton provides very detailed instructions on how to prosecute war and emerge victorious. Despite these shortcomings, this book still gives many insights into Patton's persona not found in most other works. Too often, Patton is portrayed as a one-dimensional commander whose success relied on the discipline of his soldiers and his obsessiveness with the attack. Anyone reading this book will quickly discover that Patton's brilliance as a commander was based on a well-developed command philosophy. Patton understood that his role as an Army commander was to support his corps commanders and give them the moral support necessary when they grew weary. To the general reader this book provides a very particular view of the conflict, through the eyes of the one of the most controversial and polemical military strategists of modern history.
January 29, 2025
He does not like Sicilian's. Describes them as filthy and lazy. Mentions reading Rommel's book and finding inspiration. Recommends humiliation to cure "battle fatigue".
February 26, 2023
Memoir of one of the most famous figures of WW II. The book gives not only the front seat experience of one of the greatest wars ever fought on the face of earth, it also provides a window to one of its most fascinating generals. The motto- offence is the best defense is displayed in the pages of his diary, in his decisions and in his thoughts. An interesting read. P
September 27, 2023
Patton's autobiographical memoir of WWI & WWII.
Pretty straightforward telling of his experiences in Mexico, World War One, and the second world war in the former as Pershing's aide de camp and then the latter as commander of the Third Army.
Interesting views of Patton's own understanding of warfare as a logistical exercise over terrain. He reveals his understanding of past wars and how he applied that to his modern campaigns. The European land masses and drainages were familiar to him as streets and alleys of home are to us. A great advantage, but one that was probably fairly common to military professionals and students of warfare at that time.
Patton also takes time to describe moments of interaction with military and political persons during his campaigns. These are often entertaining and not altogether serious vignettes that he includes.
An odd issue to me is his summary at the end of each Second World War chapter of equipment and materiel captured and destroyed by his army. While he makes far less mention of the human cost of the campaign in my recollection.
Pretty straightforward telling of his experiences in Mexico, World War One, and the second world war in the former as Pershing's aide de camp and then the latter as commander of the Third Army.
Interesting views of Patton's own understanding of warfare as a logistical exercise over terrain. He reveals his understanding of past wars and how he applied that to his modern campaigns. The European land masses and drainages were familiar to him as streets and alleys of home are to us. A great advantage, but one that was probably fairly common to military professionals and students of warfare at that time.
Patton also takes time to describe moments of interaction with military and political persons during his campaigns. These are often entertaining and not altogether serious vignettes that he includes.
An odd issue to me is his summary at the end of each Second World War chapter of equipment and materiel captured and destroyed by his army. While he makes far less mention of the human cost of the campaign in my recollection.
June 6, 2017
This reads like a travel log through the eyes of one the greatest generals as he treks through war stricken land during WWII. It is interesting what captures his imagination. When he stops in Sicily, Patton spends pages admiring the ancient ruins. It is hard not to wonder how Patton would have fared against some of those Ancient generals who were know for their innovative tactics. Hannibal or Alexander The Great or Scipio versus Patton all with ancient equipment or modern all with modern equipment. The idea is fascinating.
If you're interested in military history or war tactics, you probably have read this book, but if you haven't, it is worth your time.
If you're interested in military history or war tactics, you probably have read this book, but if you haven't, it is worth your time.
July 18, 2020
З цієї книги я прочитав лише розділ "Операція «Торч»", оскільки він присвячений діям 1-ої Армії в Тунісі під час Африканської кампанії 1942-1943 рр.
Але "присвячений" - це засильно сказано. Паттон згадує лише два випадки боїв: висадку в Касабланці, коли союзний десант протистояв франц. військам, та німецький авіаналіт на Касабланку в перші тижні після висадки.
Решта - опис візитів в палац султана Марокко, парад переможців після капітуляції німців в Тунісі, а також роздуми Паттона про життя. Причина - цензура. Паттонтне міг подавати деталей воєнних операцій в листах додому. А саме з цих листів і складається розділ. Але навіщо видавати такі цензуровані спогади? Чи не легше взагалі пропустити Африку? Бо таке враження, що там американці їли, пили та ходили в гості до султана.
Причому Паттон постає обмеженою та самозакоханою людиною. Коли йому кажуть, що мури довкола палацу султана споруджено в XIV ст., він не вірить, що таке може бути. Володіє французькою плохенько, але тішиться, коли "нарешті мені трапився співрозмовник, який перфектно володів французькою", бо нарешті Паттон отримав насолоду від розмови. І так далі. З іншого боку, стає зрозуміло, що це такий образ "простого прямого чоловіка". А так Паттон знає французьку, вміє говорити згідно з арабськими правилами етикету тощо.
Тому в цих мемуарах (в розділі про Африку) мало спогадів ветерана, а більше орієнтальних байок.
Але "присвячений" - це засильно сказано. Паттон згадує лише два випадки боїв: висадку в Касабланці, коли союзний десант протистояв франц. військам, та німецький авіаналіт на Касабланку в перші тижні після висадки.
Решта - опис візитів в палац султана Марокко, парад переможців після капітуляції німців в Тунісі, а також роздуми Паттона про життя. Причина - цензура. Паттонтне міг подавати деталей воєнних операцій в листах додому. А саме з цих листів і складається розділ. Але навіщо видавати такі цензуровані спогади? Чи не легше взагалі пропустити Африку? Бо таке враження, що там американці їли, пили та ходили в гості до султана.
Причому Паттон постає обмеженою та самозакоханою людиною. Коли йому кажуть, що мури довкола палацу султана споруджено в XIV ст., він не вірить, що таке може бути. Володіє французькою плохенько, але тішиться, коли "нарешті мені трапився співрозмовник, який перфектно володів французькою", бо нарешті Паттон отримав насолоду від розмови. І так далі. З іншого боку, стає зрозуміло, що це такий образ "простого прямого чоловіка". А так Паттон знає французьку, вміє говорити згідно з арабськими правилами етикету тощо.
Тому в цих мемуарах (в розділі про Африку) мало спогадів ветерана, а більше орієнтальних байок.
August 16, 2018
This was a surprising good read. I'm definitely not a Patton fan, but his widow who was instrumental in getting this book published kept some of Patton's more hairbrained ideas out of this work and significantly toned down portrayal of his famous ego. I recommend this book to anyone with even a casual interest in World War II.
October 9, 2019
An excellent journal of one the US Army's best commanding generals. The journal covers late 1942 until VE Day and unfortunately does not include Patton's thoughts up until his tragic death.
May 28, 2018
He was much more than a general who "slapped" a soldier. We need more like him.
February 24, 2025
It is interesting to read a journal about World War Two told through the eyes of one of our great generals.
June 21, 2025
Overall very interesting from a Generals perspective fighting corps and divisions, in comparison to my personal experience at the battalion level.
I did not know we fought the French in WW2 for a short time in Morocco. The number of casualties on both sides during engagements just involving the 3rd Army are staggering. This is worth it if you are military or historian.
I did not know we fought the French in WW2 for a short time in Morocco. The number of casualties on both sides during engagements just involving the 3rd Army are staggering. This is worth it if you are military or historian.
May 22, 2011
Patton's memoirs of WWII are interesting on many levels. First, it is interesting to gain a glimpse into the man. Most of what people know about Patton is his brashness, his reputation for profanity, and his aggressiveness in battle. His memoirs show him to be much less crass in his private life than he acted around his men. They also showed him to be a surprisingly well-rounded person who obviously admired and knew a lot about architecture and was an avid reader and student of history. He was obviously outspoken about his opinions, even when those opinions were not 'politic,' but it was equally obvious that he was fairly unbiased and willing to change his opinions.
Second, Patton includes his lessons on war toward the end of his memoirs. This was a collection of tactical advise that I thought was fascinating. For example, Patton says that a commander should never stop an advance on the near side of a river. He should always cross the river as quickly as possible before the enemy has an opportunity to prepare to oppose the crossing. It is far easier to withdraw if necessary than to make an opposed crossing against a determined enemy.
Third, the final section of the memoirs is Pattons collection of instances in which he feels that he "earned his pay." These are circumstances in which he feels that made a difference in an event that produced a positive benefit. This included some variety--from overriding what he considered erroneous orders (going so far as to threaten to relieve his commanders) to coming to the rescue of a black soldier accused of raping a white girl and preventing his being lynched by an angry mob. This section provided further insight into Patton's personality.
Having said this, some of the book became tedious towards the middle, and I think if I were to listen to it again, I would just listen to the last two CDs that contained Patton's two sections on 'earning his pay' and tactical lessons.
Second, Patton includes his lessons on war toward the end of his memoirs. This was a collection of tactical advise that I thought was fascinating. For example, Patton says that a commander should never stop an advance on the near side of a river. He should always cross the river as quickly as possible before the enemy has an opportunity to prepare to oppose the crossing. It is far easier to withdraw if necessary than to make an opposed crossing against a determined enemy.
Third, the final section of the memoirs is Pattons collection of instances in which he feels that he "earned his pay." These are circumstances in which he feels that made a difference in an event that produced a positive benefit. This included some variety--from overriding what he considered erroneous orders (going so far as to threaten to relieve his commanders) to coming to the rescue of a black soldier accused of raping a white girl and preventing his being lynched by an angry mob. This section provided further insight into Patton's personality.
Having said this, some of the book became tedious towards the middle, and I think if I were to listen to it again, I would just listen to the last two CDs that contained Patton's two sections on 'earning his pay' and tactical lessons.
August 29, 2022
General Patton was a Four Star General with the United States Army, serving from 1909 to 1945. General Patton was a key figure in the United States military workings in Europe during World War II. He commanded several different divisions throughout his career, though his most important work was done commanding forces in the European Theatre. He was a very interesting character, and I thought perhaps some of his personality traits were exaggerations in other books that I have read, but having read his own personal words...they were not exaggerations. He could not stand cowardice, and he did not believe in post traumatic stress or "battle fatigue", leading him to slap a couple of his soldiers and order them back to the front. He was also quite racist, mostly against black people. (This was probably due to his upbringing, as we often absorb our attitudes from family members as children. That does not make it right, and he could have changed his outlook at any point and chose not to.) He was also very anti-Semitic, which I found to be pretty abhorrent. Some of the comments he made about people who had been displaced or released from camps were disgusting and obtuse, as though they had not been incarcerated in filthy conditions and worked and starved to the bone. He admired the fight of Russian soldiers, but not Russians in general. His thoughts on commanding and war tactics were really interesting to my history major heart, so I appreciated that he took the time to write about his experiences in war and get that put out before his "accident" that took his life.
I would suggest this book for anyone who is interested in World War II history or famous generals, but I would tell you to take some of the statements made by General Patton with a grain of salt. He was a fairly crass fellow in some regards.
I would suggest this book for anyone who is interested in World War II history or famous generals, but I would tell you to take some of the statements made by General Patton with a grain of salt. He was a fairly crass fellow in some regards.
February 19, 2016
There are many war histories that focus on the "big picture," there are many war histories that focus on small units, and there are war memoirs that focus on individuals. Most of the memoirs I've read have been those of low-ranking soldiers, sailors, and airmen--I haven't read all that many written by generals or admirals. So War as I Knew It was a change of pace for me. I was interested in Patton's relating of strategy and tactics, as filtered through his philosophy of how war should be waged--that is, the more aggressive a military force is, the shorter the war and the fewer the casualties in the long run. And I was fascinated by his reasoning as to why the M4 Sherman tank (the main tank of the American army), which was under-gunned and under-armored as compared to the German Panzer IV, Panther, and Tiger tanks, was not inferior to German armor. Of course, Patton's account mostly (but not entirely) omits mention of those aspects and events of his command that were the most controversial, but that was not unexpected...and that's what Ladislas Farago's excellent and definitive biography Patton: Ordeal and Triumph is for.
February 17, 2020
“War as I knew it” is an amazing memoir of General Patton, and similar to the film of 1970, he gets side tracked talking about previous history of Roman soldiers and other key battles as he crosses over them with the 3rd Army.
It’s always amazing reading an individual’s first person account of the history we study, it’s like getting a fresh pair of eyes on something you thought you already knew.
Very fascinating and actually drills down into the military life of WWII but not the grandiose high level that I’m finding in Eisenhower’s memoir.
What I found out amazing is that he really didn’t live much after the end of WWII, for some reason my dates had him dying much later during the occupation of Germany. As if God needed him to win the war against the Nazis and then took him above for a job well done.
Would recommend for those that are history fans, and those that want to understand the mind set of a remarkable General in the United States.
It’s always amazing reading an individual’s first person account of the history we study, it’s like getting a fresh pair of eyes on something you thought you already knew.
Very fascinating and actually drills down into the military life of WWII but not the grandiose high level that I’m finding in Eisenhower’s memoir.
What I found out amazing is that he really didn’t live much after the end of WWII, for some reason my dates had him dying much later during the occupation of Germany. As if God needed him to win the war against the Nazis and then took him above for a job well done.
Would recommend for those that are history fans, and those that want to understand the mind set of a remarkable General in the United States.
July 24, 2012
George S. Patton, Jr., in spite of his weaknesses and propensity to enrage General Eisenhower from time to time, whether by comments or actions, was World War II's most brilliant field commander. His near total recall of of battles fought, from North Africa to Sicily to Italy, France and Germany is remarkable. Patton describes his wartime experiences in a way that makes the reader feel as if he or she is sitting with him and hearing about the war in great detail...as General Patton perceived it.
November 29, 2022
A great memoirs by one of the greatest generals in the world history. Amazing and an honest recount of the war General George S. Patton Jr. in the World War 2. Admiration and great respect should be given to a General whose utmost desire was to win and serve the American Military. This is the first book about Patton read. Supplemental books will give us the bigger picture of what happened to him and in the history.
February 15, 2010
One of our greatest generals indeed.
September 1, 2012
non-fiction. excellent and highly relevant
December 21, 2013
Patton's own eloquent words, hard to put it down.
April 29, 2013
Great words from an even Greater man!
December 25, 2017
What a strange and funky little book! This is controversial American General George S. Patton's "memoir" published first in 1947 . But since he passed in 1945 in a vehicle accident, it's not the smooth finished product it might be to make it truly comparable to most other WWII memoirs. It's rough and seems to be a hodge-podge of extant materials cobbled together for a quick book profit. It's basically his war diary, with lots of details and stories dropped in almost randomly. Through it all there's tidbits for everyone- enough pithy stuff to preserve his reputation as an decisive commander, but enough random bits of inane racism/sexism/elitism to remind you that personally the guy could be a difficult boor.
The book covers the whole American European Campaign from Operation Torch in North Africa to the end in Central Germany/The Czech Republic, with plenty of fun stops along the way. I found Patton's imperfect memory for Ancient and Modern European history and literature charmingly real- but it does debunk the "Patton as Renaissance Man" narrative that his hagiographers prefer. There is no rest, however from compelling content, so even when the conjecture or the false explanations get bizarre, they never get boring.
This is a great book for a Junior reader to attempt, as long as context from more reliable sources on the period are at hand. for the Military Enthusiast/Gamer/Modeller, this is clearly a goldmine. Plenty of anecdotes to improve both Dioramas and Scenarios, and some good directives to guide the gamer/tactician. Certainly a data point for any serious student of the era.
The book covers the whole American European Campaign from Operation Torch in North Africa to the end in Central Germany/The Czech Republic, with plenty of fun stops along the way. I found Patton's imperfect memory for Ancient and Modern European history and literature charmingly real- but it does debunk the "Patton as Renaissance Man" narrative that his hagiographers prefer. There is no rest, however from compelling content, so even when the conjecture or the false explanations get bizarre, they never get boring.
This is a great book for a Junior reader to attempt, as long as context from more reliable sources on the period are at hand. for the Military Enthusiast/Gamer/Modeller, this is clearly a goldmine. Plenty of anecdotes to improve both Dioramas and Scenarios, and some good directives to guide the gamer/tactician. Certainly a data point for any serious student of the era.
January 24, 2020
K tejto knihe som sa dostal náhodou na eBay za asi päť dolárov. Keď som ju otvoril, hneď ma zaujala vnútorná strana, na ktorej bol podpísaný pán Al Greenfield z Antioch, Tennessee, ktorému kniha patrila. Al Greenfield slúžil pod Pattonom v Taliansku a na niektorých miestach knihu obohatil o svoje skúsenosti. Okrem Stredozemného mora slúžil George S. Patton, jr. aj ako veliteľ tretej armády na európskom bojisku počas druhej svetovej vojny. Inak je to veľmi netradične písaná kniha, z ktorej je cítiť, že Patton rozumel svojmu povolaniu. Pattonove slová, ktoré dala do knižnej podoby jeho vlastná manželka vám postupne odkrývajú európske bojisko 2. svetovej, od vylodenia v Normandii, cez Holandsko, Market Garden, Bastogne, prekročenie Rýna, až po postup 3. zboru cez rakúsko-československé hranice. Je to také Band of Brothers zo strategického pohľadu. Nejde však len o to. Patton bol aj vynikajúci taktik. Kniha preto obsahuje zoznam pravidiel boja z blízka či postup pri taktike "fire and movement." Je to taká príručka pre mladých svišťov, a vďaka tomuto formátu aj veľmi skladná. Patton chcel po dobití Nemecka pokračovať na západ, hlbšie do vtedajšieho Československa, pomôcť odboju a zastaviť postup rozbehnutého Sovietskeho zväzu. Rozkazy generála Bradleyho a predčasná smrť v Heidelbergu mu tieto plány prekazili. Škoda. Al Greenfield píše v jednej z poznámok: "Gen. Patton, a man who got things done."
January 6, 2019
I enjoyed Patton’s memoirs, which are really just his diary entries and letters to home edited into a book format. Even if you aren’t interested in military history, War as I Knew It is a must-read simply for the quintessential Patton quotes, entertaining anecdotes, and guidance on leadership. Further, I think it preserves General Patton’s true beliefs. The fact that he died shortly after the conclusion of World War II, with War As I Knew It being published after his death, prevents the book from becoming biased or overly critical of others on account of hindsight. The opinions expressed in this book are what Patton was really thinking as the events occurred, and nothing more. This allows the reader to actually participate in his thought-process as he led the Third Army in its mad dash across Europe. Often at the forefront of his mind was the almost insatiable desire to attack (thus preventing the enemy from attacking him) and a commitment to keeping the morale of his own troops high. I read this immediately following a biography on Generals Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley, and War As I Knew It complimented this bigger-picture book nicely. The more I read of Patton, in conjunction with his own writings, the more impressed I am with him. He was always in control of the situation, surprisingly quite wise, and a master motivator.
February 11, 2019
In a quick sentence, what an auto-biography this would have made! Unfortunately, not to be, as General Patton died in December 1945.
To a greater degree than Omar Bradley’s “A Soldier’s Story,” you get a first person account of arguable our finest army (as opposed to corps or division) commander in the Second World War. The constant struggle to find enough resources to keep an army going, units, supplies, etc. Some things never change. In 2003, the US outran its supply train in Iraq. Even with the Redball Express, 3rd Army (and other allied forces) out ran its supply’s.
In the first 300 or so pages, you get the history of Patton in his commands, and it concludes with the end of the European War in May, 1945. The last 80 pages or so are observations of a incredible military student, covering the Soldier (The Solider is the Army, and the Army is the Soldier), the need for a commander to always know what is going on up front, the need for his soldiers to see him, and the need for men under fire to get beyond the fear of death and to go forward.
Highly recommended for men and women starting a career in public service (no, not politics, but military, law enforcement, etc.).
To a greater degree than Omar Bradley’s “A Soldier’s Story,” you get a first person account of arguable our finest army (as opposed to corps or division) commander in the Second World War. The constant struggle to find enough resources to keep an army going, units, supplies, etc. Some things never change. In 2003, the US outran its supply train in Iraq. Even with the Redball Express, 3rd Army (and other allied forces) out ran its supply’s.
In the first 300 or so pages, you get the history of Patton in his commands, and it concludes with the end of the European War in May, 1945. The last 80 pages or so are observations of a incredible military student, covering the Soldier (The Solider is the Army, and the Army is the Soldier), the need for a commander to always know what is going on up front, the need for his soldiers to see him, and the need for men under fire to get beyond the fear of death and to go forward.
Highly recommended for men and women starting a career in public service (no, not politics, but military, law enforcement, etc.).
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