The untimely death of a World War II hero

Eighty years ago, on Dec. 21, one of the most consequential figures in World War II died. General George S. Patton’s passing at the age of 60 was due to complications from a motor vehicle accident in Germany that left him paralyzed from the neck down. It was the untimely end to an extraordinary American life.

Patton was born in 1885 in San Gabriel, Calif. He graduated from West Point in 1909 and overcame dyslexia to become a well-read student of war, especially the Civil War, in which his grandfather died. He first served in the Army under General John Pershing. He saw action in World War I, eventually leaving Pershing’s staff to lead the newly formed tank corps. He was badly wounded by machine gun fire in France and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery.

It was in World War II where Patton’s leadership proved crucial to the Allied effort, leading the 7th Army to victories in Sicily before leading the 3rd Army across France in an impressive display of leadership, toughness, and ingenuity. Later he led his troops to relieve a trapped 101st Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge.

Patton’s career was colorful. Known for his toughness and crude language, he was labeled “old blood and guts” by his men, stemming from a famous series of speeches given to soldiers under his command. This was immortalized by George C. Scott in the iconic 1970 film, Patton. He was also known for violent, angry outbursts. He often clashed with his superiors, including General Omar Bradley, who felt his outbursts and profane language were unbecoming of a military leader.

Patton became infamous for two incidents in which he struck hospitalized soldiers for, in his view, being insufficiently wounded and undeserving of their leave. One was later diagnosed with dysentery and the other with combat fatigue. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower reprimanded Patton and demanded an apology but also worked behind the scenes to avoid Patton’s demotion or firing. Many believe this erratic behavior is why he wasn’t given command of “Operation Overlord” on D-Day.

Despite his flaws, George Patton was one of the most effective and heroic soldiers in American history. Eisenhower, who revered the general as a young soldier, said of him that he was “indispensable to the war effort.” And, though controversial at the time, he was prescient about the threat of Russia’s communist aims.

Though colorful, Patton read his Bible morning and evening. Before the Battle of the Bulge, he had his chaplain write out a prayer and distribute it to his men. When he was buried in a cemetery in Luxemburg, the Washington Post described the solemn Christmas Eve procession this way:

Hundreds lined the wet streets as the body of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. was borne to the American cemetery in Hamm, where hundreds of Patton’s soldiers, killed in the savage Battle of the Bulge a year earlier, were buried.

Eight decades later, Americans should not hesitate to offer thanks for the leadership and sacrifice of brave yet imperfect men like George Patton, who sacrificed much to lead the American effort against totalitarianism and fascism. As we celebrate, next year, America’s 250th birthday, we should understand that the freedom we enjoy today is due in large part to the courage of those who fought against evil in their day.

Scripture teaches us to honor those who are worthy (Romans 13:7; John 15:13) and emulate their best traits (1 Timothy 4:12; Philippians 3:17). To forget this history is to live with ingratitude toward God’s good gifts. This is especially important as a small but loud cohort of influencers seeks to rewrite the truth about World War II, casting the Nazis as heroes and the Allies as the bad guys. Christians should reject such moral confusion.

While recognizing his flaws, leaders today can learn much from Gen. George Patton. He had particularly good leadership wisdom: Here are a few of his famous quotes:

“A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”

“A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.” 

“Do more than is required of you.”

But as we remember the untimely passing of this American hero, it might be this word that causes us to consider the direction of our lives: “Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.” May this not be said of us.