The Fighting Pattons

by Brian M. Sobel

This book presents a unique view of a military family, and, most importantly, displays the lives of a father and a father who would become an American hero and a son who excelled on his own terms, but who was profoundly influenced by a figure who had gained legendary status. The elder Patton gained widespread fame during World War II as a fearless commander and motivator of soldiers in war. He was brash, supremely self-confident, and greatly admired by the enemy; many German officers would later say Patton was the most important weapon in the American arsenal. A complex man driven by his knowledge of history and warfare, the elder Patton was compassionate and easily moved to tears. He was a professional soldier who loved the art of war and hated war itself.The younger Patton has also lived a most exciting life, having been acquainted with many of the famous names in political and military history. Together, father and son logged 79 years of continuous miltary service. They fought in every American conflict from the punitive action taken in Mexico in 1916 through Vietnam. This is the only book on the Patton family that includes commentary from both the son and daughter of General George S. Patton, concerning their father's life and times. Including a vast array of never before published information, this book is also a family story and a contemporary history of the wars that shaped the 20th century. There are interviews with the late Richard Nixon, General William Westmoreland, General James Dozier, Jimmy Doolittle, and many others.

Genres: Biography, Military History

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read, good for anyone who wants to learn more about World War II, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and about George Patton and his son.

[Esteban Stipnieks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow some surprises some food for thought and some well something is fishy here.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars in respect of the number of stars a good general should have?

A very good book, but I thought it might/should be more about the father than the son. (Though in the end the son may have had a tougher job.) Is the book more about America than the Pattons themselves? Is it as much about Creighton Abrams than Patton fils? Korea and Vietnam themselves and not who fought in them? Is it unfocused on the individual because, like any good soldier, Patton the son has a hard time taking credit and talking about himself?

Even so, I am glad to read books that debunk the myths of General Giap, that slam Kennedy, Johnson and McNamara, that provide models for leaders.

The meat of the book matters, and the leadership lessons at the end ought to be tattooed on every CEO in America. Thus there is much more to recommend it than to demote it; however, there was George the father, and then there was everyone who came after him.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the two Pattonss is just that - two stories, each told about a Patton - although father and son clearly were entwined in their warrior culture. If you are looking to be "the next great general" you will probably do well to focus on the WWII Patton. If you are looking to be the next really relevant general you probably ought to focus on the younger version. Sadly, we may have seen the last of either the truly great, or relevant, generals in the truest sense of what that word means.