Patton had a laundry list of defects as a person, and as a commander. But you have to give him some credit for his ability to get his army to keep moving....never let your enemy catch his balance, keep him from getting oriented and organized. In the long run that saves lives by shortening the conflict. He took territory faster than just about anybody.
But like Monty, he was full of himself, unpleasant, and a glory hound.
Throughout history the great ones often are. Napoleon. Ceaser, Alaxander. etc
Best way to judge a commanders abilities is by how able their enemies considered them.
Rundstedt after the war as told by B.H. Liddell Hearts book "The German Generals Talk" said that Montgomery and Patton were the two best that he faced. Saying that Montgomery was very methodical "Which is ok if you have sufficiant forces" but Patton had a better grasp of mobile warfare.
And if I remember correctly Patton had a pretty decent kill to death ratio. which would be another important factor in determining a commanders abilities.
In the Sicily campaign, U.S. lost 7000 casualties but took 100,000 prisoners; British lost 12,000 casualties.
Third Army suffered 16,596 killed, 96,241 wounded, and 26,809 missing in action for a total of 139,646 casualties
While the Germans lost to the third Army 144,500 killed, and 386,200 wounded, Not to mention 76,5483 captured before wars end
Dunno. Given the type of war it was and how it was fought. I'll take a commander who can deliver that kind of ratio. Not to mention ground gained
Patton was a loony arrogant rabid Pitbull for sure.
And wasnt a particularly nice man. for example. he seemed to develop a dislike the native inhabitants of literally every country he fought in.
But then again. War as I understand it isnt a particularly nice business
And If I had to fight during that time I'd for sure rather fight under the loony arrogant rabid pit bull.
Then I would the "Ferocious Rabbit"
Seemed to be recognized quite a bit for his accomplishments
His medals and commendations were extensive:
United States:
American Defense Service Ribbon
Distinguished Service Cross with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Service Medal with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Navy)
One Silver Star
Three 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)
Sons of the Revolution Medal
Great Britain:
Most Honourable Order of the Bath
Order of the British Empire
Enteur Pin of Malta
France:
Croix de Guerre of 1939 with Palm
Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star
Medal of the Legion of Honor
Medal of Verdun (WWI)
Metz Medal of Liberation (1944)
Commemorative Medal, City of Nancy
Commerative Medallion, City of Metz (1944)
Commerative Medalion Cities of Fontainebleau and Barbizon
Gourmier Pin of Morocco (French)
Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor
Liberation of Tours "Patton" Medallion
Liberation Medallion, City of d'Epernay
Liberation Medallion, City of Metz (1918)
Medallion of the City of Rheims
Belgium:
Croix de Guerre of 1940 with Palm
Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold with Palm
Civilian Shield
Czechoslovakia:
Military Cross
Order of the White Dragon
Luxembourg:
Croix de Guerre
Order of Adolphe of Nassau, Grand Croix
French Morocco:
Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold with Palm
Russia:
Guard's Badge
Order of Koutouzov, 1st Grade
Sweden:
Commemorative Medal of the V Olympiad (1912)
Armiens, Under Officers Skola
Kunge Sodermanlands Pansarregemente (Commerative Token)
Kungl. Krigs Skolan (Commemorative Medal)
Kungl. Upplands Regemente (Commorative Token)
Vatican:
Pope Pius XII Medallion
