General George S. Patton Jr. Essay -- essays research papers

General George Smith Patton Jr. was born November 11, 1885 in San Gabriel, California. He was known as a complicated man, and having an intemperate manner. He was also known for carrying his pistol with ivory handle. He always strived to train his troops to the highest standard of excellence. Patton always dreamed of being a hero. His ancestors had fought in many wars, and grew up listening to their stories. He attended the Virginia Military institute for one year and went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 11, 1909. He was then commisioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 15th Cavalry Regiment. Patton got married to Beatrice Ayer, whom he dated while attending West Point, on May 26, 1910. Patton competed in the Stockholm Olympics in the first modern pentathlon in 1912. This was considered a rigorous test of the skills a soldier could possess. He was 26 at the time and did remarkably well in all the events which included, pistol shooting from 25 meters, sword fencing, a 300 meter free style swim, 800 meters horse back riding and a 4-kilometer cross-country run. Patton placed fifth overall. Patton started taking lessons at the French cavalry school, and learning French sword drills. Patton reported to the Mounted Service School in Fort Riley, Kansas, where he became the school's first Master of the Sword. He designed and taught a course in swordsmanship while he was a student at the school. Patton's first real exposure to battle took pl...