THIRDWAVEDAVE: GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. 11 NOV 1885--21 DEC 1945

65 years ago, America's Greatest WWII General died. George S. Patton, Jr didn't die on the field of battle, but instead as the result of injuries sustained in a freak automobile accident near Mannheim, Germany, on December 9, 1945. Patton survived two world wars.

General Patton was being treated for a severe neck injury at the 130th Station Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany, when he died on December 21, 1945. He was buried three days later, December 24, 1945, in the American Cemetery at Hamm, Luxembourg.

1975: my army unit, the 7th MP Company, Ft. Ord, was given the task of guarding his son's jeep during war games at Fort Irwin, Ca--Major General George S. Patton IV, 2nd Armored Division. The first time I got a look at his jeep, one thing stood out: it had seat belts. Years later I would understand why he had them installed.

Patton's most famous speech, the one given the day before D-Day, "Somewhere in England," was recorded by a soldier who wrote it down as the General spoke--no audio ever existed. The speech George C. Scott gave at the the beginning of the movie "Patton" wasn't even close to the actual speech--it had to be sanitized and shortened. Patton used profanity on a liberal basis. The soldier included notes of the events that day, beginning with Patton arriving in his car. A must read. (scroll down to part II)

Audio speech by Patton in L.A. during a bond drive--1945.

Audio speech by George C. Scott in "Patton."

Pictorial history of Patton's life.

Politically incorrect--Patton never got credit for his planning.

*Third Army miracle that happened 61 years later.

Posters, comics, newspaper headlines about Patton.

The Press and the "slapping incidents."

*The Battle of the Bulge. Patton at his best.

*750,000 greet Patton upon arrival in Boston--1945 Time article.

Los Angeles bond drive photo--1945

*Andrea Shea-King's observations of Patton at Voice of Liberty. (scroll to 5:30)

Patton's website.

Patton's National Museum.

*Pictures taken at the General's funeral, Hamm, Luxembourg--December 24, 1945.

**After filming the original Patton movie in 1970, another Patton movie was produced in 1986. "The Last Days of Patton". This made-for-tv movie also starred George C. Scott in the role of Patton. The movie begins with Patton's automobile accident and hospital stay. The director then uses flashbacks (from Patton's perspective) to cover Patton's entire life. This movie is every bit as good as the original.