Did General Patton come from a military family?
General Patton's grandfather attended VMI graduating in 1852. He then served as commander of the 22nd Virginia Infantry Regiment in the Civil War.
An uncle, John Mercer Patton, graduated from VMI in 1846 and served as a Colonel in the 21st Virginia Infantry Regiment, CSA. Another uncle, Waller Tazewell Patton,
graduated from VMI in 1855 and served as a Colonel in the 7th Virginia Infantry Regiment, CSA.
General Patton's father also attended VMI graduating in 1877. He then went on to study law and became a prominent attorney in Los Angeles.
Was General Patton involved in other military action prior to World War II?
Yes. George Smith Patton served as aid to General John "Blackjack" Pershing during the Mexican Expedition in 1916. During this campaign he killed one
of Poncho Villa's Generals. He also saw action during World War I. However, he was sent home after receiving a wound in battle.
How did General Patton die?
Despite the fact that throughout his military career he had constantly exposed himself to danger, it was a traffic accident, not a bullet, which took Patton's life. In December 1945, his car was hit by a truck and he was severely injured. On 21 December he died from these injures and was buried in Luxembourg a country which still considers George S. Patton its liberator.
Where is George Smith Patton buried?
The general is buried in the American Military Cemetary, Hamm, Luxenbourg.
What medals were awarded to General Patton by the United States?
General Patton was awarded the following medals:
American Defense Service Ribbon, Bronze Star, Distunguished Service Cross with
One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Service Medal with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters,
Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Navy), European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon
with One Silver Star and Two Bronze Stars, Legion of Merit, Mexican Service Badge, Purple Heart,
Silver Life Saving Medal, Silver Star with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Victory medal (WWII),
Victory Medal with Four Bronze Stars (WWI)
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