I would like a recommendation on the best biographies of Gen. George S. Patton. Any opinions out there?

My favorites are:

Patton: a genious for War by Carlo D'Este

and very interesting:

The Patton Papers edited by Martin Blumenson
2 volumes, 1885-1940 and 1940-1945, Patons family papers,correspondence etc.

Have fun

SSR

Thanks Cross, I'll look at both of those.

Make sure you get the one where he discusses ordering troops to fix bayonets and march on the WW1 soldiers who had set up their tent camp and were going to march on the White House/Congress to protest the fact that the govt had not paid them the service bonus promised in WW1. That he did so is a matter of public record.

regards,

Rich

That he did,however he was acting under orders from Douglas MacArthur.Also you are aware that he was aide de camp for "Black Jack" Pershing during the first world war + that Pershing married Patton's sister.

An officer is required to follow the lawful orders of a duly authorized superior.

Norman Conquest
I dont believe Gen Pershing married Miss Patton but they were close for a long time--that is where the Patton Papers gets so interesting--behind the scene original writings.

SSR

Perhaps I stand corrected but that was how I read it several years ago.

My friend,at the risk of giving offense (not my purpose) in relation to the following of orders from a superior officer, I thought was well put to rest at Nuremberg in 1946. I understand that the D.C. veterans 'riots' were prior to this. Truth remains the same my friend. I can refuse to follow an insane order....or not. I've done both + believe me the refusal left me with a better sleep ability;even the brig time was acceptable because I held true to my beliefs.Many years past but I can still look myself in the mirror.

there were no "riots", unless you consider the pernicious actions Patton took.
To order your troops to fix bayonets and advance on a group of WWI veterans trying to get the bonus promised them during the war, and then reneged on for more than a decade is the most reprehensible action a "Gentleman & an Officer" can take. Even obammy would not do such a wicked act.

Rich

I had an order given me in RVN I thought was wrong. Wrong enough to ask for it in writing. That ended the situation on the spot. The other soldiers on my team said the same thing. That #2 looie left the company less than a week later. We heard he got shot by his own troops less than two weeks later.

I agree Rich which is why I hyphenated 'riots'.We are on the same page.As to your reference to Lt."Frag"....gee the looie bought it,best get back to Da Nang.

Rich,I agree which is why I hyphenated "riots".They were perfectly within their rights to peaceful assembly + a request to benefits owed,even at a reduced rate due to non maturity.(it was the depression right?) Totally uncalled for actions by Macarthur + Patton as well.As to whether obanga would attempt such a stunt;well considering the financial state of the nation + in general the populaces displeasures (to put it mildly)with the government;that just might be the straw.Especially in this day + time of instant news messaging.

Norman Conquest,

i do agree with the Nueremburg rules, but they were not in effect when MacAuthor gave Patton his orders. And I did say Lawful, that is what I was taught and can remain at ease with. Each Officer has to determine what is Lawful and be willing to stand accountable for his actions.

SSR

Mr. CrossL, perhaps we are are conversing on dual purposes. I mentioned on my posting of the 5th that I was on above + aware of the timing as to per se Patton V/S R/e Nuremberg. Yes I give you your due (+Patton's) [easier than thinking or taking action for personal responsibilty].Oh BTW...are you accountably for your actions..inside?No offense intended;this is conversation,please take it as such.