PATTON: Fighting Man

A clear picture of a fighting man, who in spite of his years (he is 62) and his wealth (he is supposedly the richest man in the Army) served his country selflessly, as a great soldier, a great military leader, and a great general. He is a native son -- but never a diplomat nor a statesman, and sometimes a swashbuckling character out of Hollywood. If he could be known only through his achievements in the field of battle, Paton would go down as one of the great military leaders of all times. But he is known also for his words and actions as a man, and the slapping incident, the speech to the Sunday School children, the ill-timed comparison of Nazis to our own bickering political parties have made more impression on the uninformed public than his military brilliance. This book should help correct that, as the author tells his story, from early school days and ambition to be one thing -- a general -- through West Point, camp and post experiences, first World War where he showed himself a great tank tactician. Then the years between the wars when he drove himself and his command so that when the need came his army was ready. Then the war record Africa Sicily, France, Germany -- campaigns in which he will go down as a great soldier.