Product Description

Adored by many, loathed by some, General George S. Patton, Jr., was one of the most brilliant military strategists in history. War As I Knew It is the personal and candid account of his celebrated, relentless crusade across western Europe during World War II. First published in 1947, this absorbing narrative draws on Patton's vivid memories of battle and his detailed diaries, from the moment the Third Army exploded onto the Brittany Peninsula to the final Allied casualty report. The result is not only a grueling, human account of daily combat and heroic feats - including a riveting look at the Battle of the Bulge - but a valuable chronicle of the strategies and fiery personality of a legendary warrior. Patton's letters from earlier military campaigns in North Africa and Sicily, complemented by a powerful retrospective of his guiding philosophies, further reveal a man of uncompromising will and uncommon character, which made "Georgie" a household name in mid-century America. With a new introduction.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25120 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

About the Author
Rick Atkinson is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Long Gray Line, about West Point's class of 1966, and Crusade: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War. He is currently the Berlin Bureau chief for the Washington Post.

George Smith Patton, Jr., 1885-1945, served as Pershing's aide in Mexico in 1916, rose from captain to major general between the world wars, and headed the illustrious Third Army in World War II.

Customer Reviews

One-side view
flamboyant and irrealistic data of german losses ( see german sources ...KTB/OKW. etc. )

A New Angle on Patton
Whereas we've all heard the weak-kneed, faint-hearted, army deserter types condemn Patton as bloodthirsty, this book reveals Patton the intellectual, the man who believes deeply in his mission and destiny, and one who is prepared to sacrifice life and limb in order to to honor his role in the history of the world.
I found this book to be highly insightful, educational, entertaining, and motivating. I learned about strategy and received an interesting and unique glimpse into the mind of a truly great man. Patton was the cream of the crop - well educated, strong, courageous, and determined, and he had the intelligence and wisdom to back his decisions up. Would that we had a fearless leader like this today.

All leaders should read this.
Patton' memoir of his role in WWII. Written shortly before his death in Dec 1945 and published by his wife. Patton example of leadership is applicable to all leaders and all leaders would benefit by reading this book. Appended to this book are copies of Patton's general orders for the conduct of the 3rd Army in Europe which includes some very good practical advice for the fighting soldier and commander.