General Patton: War Hero or Not?

A general who helps command their troops through many victories of battle are always considered heroes of the war, but does that statement hold true for General George Smith Patton, Jr. who was demoted because of his actions? Did this demotion to General Patton affect the United State’s chances of victory in World War II? General Patton or “Old Blood and Guts” was a very well known general, for good and for bad. He commanded corps and armies in North Africa, Sicily, and the European Theater of Operations. General Patton was considered the most strategically trained general and the top commander of armored and infantry troops. Field Marshal Von Rundstedt simply called him “our best." On the other hand he was also considered a very tough hearted man. “Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn't give a hoot and hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor ever lose a war,” and “No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country,” are some of many quotes that General Patton told his troops. He had also slapped a soldier who was in the hospital from battle fatigue. Some soldiers had also confessed that they had been slapped by General Patton while he was in command. Patton once voiced his opinion that one of the Allied countries, the Soviet Union, is mistrusted and should be attacked. These actions jeopardized General Patton’s career as a general and Eisenhower demoted him of his position and rank. The former general was ordered to be part of the decoy in Operation Quicksilver instead of playing a huge role in the real Normandy landings. Would Eisenhower’s decision of demoting George Patton of general affect the outcome of the battle or even the outcome of the war? Eisenhower’s decision of demoting Patton was a bad idea, even though the Allies had won the battle of Normandy. The Allies maybe not of had lost as many soldiers during the battle if Patton was in command. His brilliant leadership could have helped the Allies win the battle easier.
Should General Patton still be considered a great war hero? While he was in command, Patton led his troops to numerous key victories and also took over many acres of land during which helped the Allies win World War II. His troops were well trained and discipline because of his strict rules. He was not the most popular general but he was one of the most effective and respected. The German generals had admitted that General Patton was the one field commander they feared the most. The soldiers under his command looked up to him and believed in him that they were going to win even if they were outnumbered or outsmarted. In my eyes any person who has such a big affect on the outcome of a war should always be considered a hero even if he was a little insensitive at times.

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