General Patton Research Paper

Words: 1040
Pages: 5

General Patton: An Uncanny Leader General George S. Patton is iconic in American military history, renowned for his audacious leadership and unconventional approach to warfare. Born on November 11, 1885, into a family with a long military service and wealth lineage, Patton aspired for a life of military distinction. He attended the Virginia Military Institute before graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1909, beginning his rise to prominence on the battlefield during World War II (Lovelace 2024.) While Patton's successes on the battlefield are well-documented, especially throughout the Northern African Campaign, a critical examination of his leadership reveals significant flaws that overshadow his achievements. Despite his strategic acumen and tactical prowess, …show more content…
Although successfully claiming territory throughout Northern Africa, Patton's aggressiveness could easily lead to detrimental results, including that which happened early in the Invasion of Sicily. During the Invasion of Sicily, Patton's reckless, aggressive, and impulsive nature came to the forefront. He allowed his aggressive nature to override his judgment at Gela and during the drive on Messina, resulting in adverse operational outcomes and strained relationships with his subordinates. His insistence on rapid advancement and disregard for strategic considerations led to logistical challenges and dispersed forces, hindering the effectiveness of the Allied campaign and labeling the victory as hollow (MAJ Chadwick 2014.) However, it is worth noting that these negative traits did not solely characterize Patton's leadership. In other instances, such as the offensive to Palermo, Anthony Cluxton effectively executed mission command, resulting in excellent outcomes as he focused on stopping an Axis retreat to mainland