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Stories regarding some of the most influential United States generals can give us newfound appreciation about the world wars and America’s involvement in each. George S Patton is perhaps one of the most famous generals in the United States Army. He was responsible for commanding the United States seventh Army and the Mediterranean theater of war as was the third Army in Germany and France throughout Normandy.
What are the Best Books on Patton to read?
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Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II's Most Audacious General (Bill O'Reilly's Killing Series)
Target Patton: The Plot to Assassinate General George S. Patton (World War II Collection)
Patton And His Third Army
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Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II's Most Audacious General (Bill O'Reilly's Killing Series)
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Target Patton: The Plot to Assassinate General George S. Patton (World War II Collection)
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Patton And His Third Army
Patton fought in World War I as part of the United States tank corpse and would rise to the ranks of commander throughout World War II where he commanded the second armored division. Known for his extreme a colourful image and hard-driving personality as a commander, he would become one of the most famous figures at the front and one of the most aggressive tacticians of all time. Patton is a historical figure that is showcased in schools, history classes and throughout the world. The man has truly become an American folk hero. If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of George S Patton, here are some of the top selections that you can use to guide your reading:
Best Books on Patton: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best Patton books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. Killing Patton Strange
Killing patton, the strange death of World War II’s most audacious general is a Bill O’Reilly killing series that focuses in on the cyst patient of Patton’s death. It estimated that his death was not considered an accident and was actually an active assassination. Killing Patton takes the reader through some of the events surrounding the demise of the general as well as some of the names that could have been responsible. As a number of people were silenced as to the nature of Patton’s death, this is a book that explores some of the individuals that were silenced for their knowledge and some of the reasons why they may have been silenced moving forward. Explore more into the nature of Patton’s mysterious death with this book to learn more about not only how he lived, but how he died.
- Authors: Bill O’Reilly (Author), Martin Dugard (Author)
- Publisher: Henry Holt and Company; 1st Edition (September 23, 2014)
- Pages: 352 pages
2. Patton Assassination Collection
The Patton assassination collection is a book by Robert K. Wilcox. It goes on to deliver investigative military report on the death of one of the most important war heroes in US history. Wilcox examines the various foul play that surrounded the death of Patton and who could have been to blame for his death. Target Patton is a book of intrigue the delivers new details into the conflicting testimony, missing official reports disappearing witnesses and more. The lack of autopsy results and other elements would make Patton’s death perhaps one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in World War II.
- Authors: Robert K. Wilcox (Author)
- Publisher: Regnery History; Illustrated Edition (September 9, 2014)
- Pages: 444 pages
3. Patton Third
Brenton Greene Wallace takes on one of the most enigmatic personalities in wartime history. Throughout the start of the war, the Nazi forces were considered one of the most feared war machines of the time, the opposition had very little figures in place until Patton and the third Army were able to completely cut through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. This is the true story of the third Army and how they became one of the toughest fighting groups of men in World War II. Told from the perspective of Col. Brenton G. Wallace, we find out more about the nature of war and what it was like to be involved in the front commanded by Patton.This book provides an insight into the strategies used by Patton as well as direct quotes from Patton on his victories.
- Authors: Brenton G. Wallace (Author)
- Publisher: Kessinger Publishing, LLC (September 10, 2010)
- Pages: 288 pages
4. General Patton
Winston Groom if the best-selling author that provide a detailed history on some of the most important generals responsible for winning World War II. With a detailed look at Patton, Marshall and Macarthur, we can see more on the battles that shaped each one of these generals as well as their past. As some of the most famous generals that operated throughout World War II, these were the heroes that guide America in its military leadership and formed a new generation of American soldier. We find out more about their efforts as well as some of their ideals. We can also discover more elements of the past such as the volatility between generals like Patton and MacArthur and how these colourful wartime leaders were able to shape the future of a nation. Although George Patton is remembered as one of the most historically controversial generals in American history, he was able to become one of the greatest and most celebrated war heroes of our time. His story and others are covered here for you to expand your knowledge.
- Authors: Winston Groom (Author)
- Publisher: National Geographic; 1st Edition (November 10, 2015)
- Pages: 512 pages
5. War As We Knew George Patton
War as we knew by Rick Atkinson explores the personal and candid account of war based off of George Patton’s crusade across Western Europe in World War II. This narrative draws in some of the vivid memories of the battle and how Patton was feeling shut the experience based off of his diary entries. Covering some important moments such as when the third Army moved into the Britney Peninsula and how the allied casualties were progressing as the war moved on, we find firsthand and gruelling human accounts of the war from those that were closest to Patton. With letters from military campaigns across northern Africa and Sicily this is a powerful and introspective guide into the mind of Patton and how he was reacting throughout his time in command. This is one of the best books that you can read to learn more about his philosophies and his uncompromising character.
- Authors: George S. Patton (Author), Paul D. Harkins (Editor), Rick Atkinson (Introduction)
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; Illustrated Edition (May 8, 1995)
- Pages: 425 pages
6. Patton Genius of War
Patton, Genius of war is a book that is designed to reveal the complex and extremely contradictory personality that made up George Patton. Written by Carlo D’este, an author and historian that has covered books on Normandy previously, the story unfolds detailing the plight of a troubled man throughout his life. With a series of balance tales this is a book that details some of the most defining moments in his life as an American warrior and as a truly troubled man at the front. Consider this a functional profile of what Patton was like psychologically as well as in an individual sense throughout major events in his life. We can see his genius as a tactician as well as some of the areas where he was conflicted.
- Authors: Carlo D’Este (Author)
- Publisher: Harper Perennial; Illustrated Edition (September 27, 1996)
- Pages: 1024 pages
7. Patton Ordeal
As one of America’s most famous generals, Patton is often a figure that presents focus, determination and toughness. He is a general that commonly brought up as a face of achievement when facing overwhelming odds. Patton is feared and respected amongst his enemies and is considered to be difficult even when working with his peers. Patton is a widely controversial wartime hero and with his expertise in tank warfare, he became one of the leading commanders in World War II. His image was seen regularly throughout World War II and his steadfast qualities often jeopardized his career even forcing them out of command and several occasions. Finding out more about the iron will and determination of Patton can mean reading this Ladislas Farago book. It details some of the battles that were fought as well as the way that Patton was able to command some of the most crushing advances in history.
- Authors: Ladislas Farago (Author)
- Publisher: Westholme Publishing (May 3, 2005)
- Pages: 1003 pages
8. Foot Soldier Patton the Diamond Infantryman
This book by Michael C. Bilder and James Bilder is a frank account of the day-to-day life of a foot soldier during World War II. With detailed diaries from the front in france to the beaches of Normandy, we find accounts of the true orders that Patton would have delivered to the front and how he guided troops throughout the war. Find out more about what it would have been like to be a front-line soldier with these diary entries. As one of the grittiest and most personal retellings of the Diamond infantryman story, we can find out more about how the life of a third Army footsoldier would be at this time.
- Authors: Michael Bilder (Author), James G. Bilder
- Publisher: Casemate; Illustrated Edition (November 17, 2008)
- Pages: 320 pages
9. Patton At The Battle of The Bulge
A detailed account of the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, we find out more about this extremely important event in which US soldiers were able to repel waves of attackers in a miracle defense. Leo Barron and other authors detailed the small defense force that paved the way for Gen. George S Patton and the third Army to help with the defense of Bastogne. Patton gave the order to brace his men to the area and put together one of the most crucial charges in his career. This counterstrike would eventually lead to some of the best infantry and tank units in the German army failing to reach the area and establish a foothold. This book details some of the decision-making that took place at this time as well as the details in one of history’s largest battles.
- Authors: Leo Barron (Author)
- Publisher: Dutton Caliber; 1St Edition (October 28, 2014)
- Pages: 432 pages
10. Patton Blood, Guts Prayer
Patton Blood Guts and Prayer is a book by Michael Keane. The collection that team has put together is a series of personal papers, diaries and letters. With summer accounts of this military commanders role for success in the battlefield, Keane details follow-up send correspondence from Patton throughout some of the greatest key moments in the war. We can truly find Patton’s voice here and see how he was as an inspirational leader and commander.
- Authors: Michael Keane (Author)
- Publisher: Regnery History; 1st Edition (October 15, 2012)
- Pages: 256 pages
11. General Pattons Principles of Life Leadership
This book by Porter B. Williamson provide some first person accounts of the principles in which George Patton lived his life and led his men to victory. The profile within this book as well as the stories that are included have been endorsed by the daughter and son of Patton. It details some of the most important aspects of his life including his faith, his military prowess as well as his overwhelming ambition. The extra merry bond that Patton had with his troops made him such a formidable leader and we can see more about how he form that bond within. Also present within the book are some of the ways that he was able to find success, w the powers that he drew upon decisions with and how he declared fitness in wartime for his own leaders.
- Authors: Porter B Williamson (Author)
- Publisher: Management & Systems Consultants, Incorporated; 5th Edition (November 2, 2009)
- Pages: 240 pages
12. Patton Leadership
Patton on Leadership is a book by Alan Alexrod the draws on the definitive moves and distinctive style of Patton throughout his time in World War II. It delivers a straightforward and practical approach the lessons that he learned as well as the ways that he developed his attitude for leadership. We explore more into the ways that he was able to communicate so effectively with his troops as well as inspire others. Included in the book are a series of Photographs as well as a detailed path of Patton’s career. This is a book that could find appreciation among civilians as well as military professionals who are interested in applying some of the approaches that Patton took to their own lives. As one of the most colourful combat generals in history, we can see more into the personality traits that drove him as well as the way that his leadership and wisdom made him one of the greatest military minds of our time.
- Authors: Alan Axelrod Ph.D. (Author), Alan Axelrod (Author)
- Publisher: Prentice Hall Press; 1st Edition (August 1, 2001)
- Pages: 288 pages
13. Patton Paper 1940-1945
The patton papers from 1940 to 1945 are a collective work from Martin Blumenson. As one of the most controversial generals, George S Patton was a figure that fought in North Africa and Sicily and eventually became the commander of the third Army. Marton Blumenson is a historian that was granted access to the vast selection of correspondence and papers in the Patton estate. There are quotes and experts from the masters of the art of command as well as from biographical accounts. The Patton papers include a large selection of relevant data from his correspondence to more on his strategies throughout the war. We can find out more about the man behind this great historical figure here.
- Authors: Martin Blumenson (Author)
- Publisher: Da Capo Press; Illustrated Edition (August 22, 1996)
- Pages: 944 pages
14. Patton Man Behind Legend 1885-1945
The unabridged version of this book is written by Martin Blumenson, an author that was given access to the full archive of patent papers. Blackstone inc introduces a series of correspondence from Patton’s daughter Ruth and is considered to be one of the greatest biographies written about the complex general George S. Patton. Although it’s extremely difficult to capture the profile of such a famous wartime figure, this book provides a wealth of in-depth knowledge regarding the general and his involvement as a hero. As one of the finest books ever collected on Patton, we can see more on how he was able to command deeds of valor and how he would have been in his home life as well.
- Authors: Martin Blumenson (Author)
- Publisher: William Morrow & Co; 1st Edition (November 1, 1985)
- Pages: 320 pages
15. Patton’s Panthers
Across the battlefield of World War II the 761stTank Battalion that was commanded under George Patton was considered to be one of the most formidable fighting forces in World War II. This team was capable of breaking through enemy lines and they were able to become one of the most courageous units in World War II. They broke down some of the racist limitations that were brought on by other units and prove themselves as a united and determined tank unit. This is the true story of a Battalion commanded by Patton throughout World War II, what it would have been like to be a soldier under his command and how they used his leadership to fight almost endlessly defeating nearly 6000 enemy soldiers and capturing over 30 towns. The black panthers and their story are one commonly left out of the history books. This is a fighting force that pave the way for African-Americans across the US military who battled against racism and scepticism each step of the war. From author Charles W. Sasser, we can find out more about what it was like to be commanded by Patton.
- Authors: Charles W. Sasser (Author)
- Publisher: Gallery Books; Original ed. Edition (February 1, 2005)
- Pages: 368 pages
16. Patton’s Third Army
Patton’s third Army is the photographic history book cultivated by James Brown and Michael Green. The pages include a series of images captured on the Allied D-Day invasion as well as a decoy unit that took an ongoing rampage across France and Germany entering into the Battle of the Bulge. The first U.S. Army group is documented well across this photographic history book and there are images here that include the siege of Bastogne, the eastern push and more. The images here give you a closer look of Patton and what it would be like fighting on the frontlines under him. If you are looking for a quintessential photo book about Patton’s command, this could be a great option for your collection or to put more of his wartime life in perspective.
- Authors: Michael Green (Author), James Brown (Author)
- Publisher: Crestline Books; Reprint Edition (July 3, 2017)
- Pages: 300 pages
17. Patton’s Vanguard United Armoured Division
With stirring accounts of some of the most legendary campaigns in United States history, Don m. Fox provides details on some of the breakout offenses strategies that Patton used throughout World War II. With the tank battles that took place across Arracount as well as the struggles of the fourth armored division, we get full photo archives and detailed accounts of the combat diaries from front line soldiers. This is an excellent way to gain an in-depth knowledge from the historical recollections of members of the division as well as the experience of George S Patton. With a series of drawings, maps and photographs that all go into this collected work, we can find out more about what it would be like to be commanded during this time.
- Authors: Don M. Fox (Author)
- Publisher: McFarland; 1st Edition (August 1, 2015)
- Pages: 496 pages
18. Patton Rommel Men
Patton and Rommel were two men at war throughout the 20thcentury. In this book from Dennis Showalter, we find a contrast between these two important generals. Even though Patton was widely considered to be a profane and hardheaded leader, it was the conflict and the determination in his presence the truly commanded respect. Rommel was an authoritarian and a proven leader that became the head of Adolf Hitler’s personal security detail. Rommel would never meet Patton in combat apart from a brief confrontation in North Africa, What is quite surprising is that the two generals had somewhat parallel lives in their leadership styles and personalities. The comparative analysis of these two leaders can show just how much a wartime leader can impact a nation and how the two changed the face of warfare forever.
- Authors: Dennis Showalter (Author)
- Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group; Reprint Edition (January 3, 2006)
- Pages: 448 pages
19. Pattons Way Radical Theory
Patton’s way is a book the details the legendary approach of George S Patton and how he was able to change the modern application of warfare in World War II. Rather than a direct biography, this book addresses some of the main popular representations of Patton and offers thought into some of his reasons for acting as well as an appreciation of his successes. The author approaches many of the main decisions that Patton made throughout the war effort to determine a complete explanation on his reasons for moving forwards. The secrets to patent success were based off of a crafted doctrine that helped him over several decades of command. We explore these ideas and how it was able to lead to success in France, Tunisia and Sicily. The book discusses the nature of Patton’s ideas and how they were used throughout World War II and beyond in planning for the military later on.
- Authors: James Kelly Morningstar (Author)
- Publisher: Naval Institute Press; Illustrated Edition (June 15, 2017)
- Pages: 404 pages
20. Patton Mind Point History
The Patton mind is a series of surveys from the life of World War II tank commander George S. Patton. The book details some of the professional development of this extraordinary leader, how he rose to power and how he continued to use his skills as a tactician throughout World War II. Roger H. Nye examines many of the challenges involving command and how Patton was able to shape his skill set to become one of the most celebrated leaders of World War II. The mind point history can showcase that any goal can be possible with the right training and just how important skilled commanders can be when faced with the challenges of a world war.
- Authors: Roger H. Nye (Author)
- Publisher: Avery (February 1, 1993)
- Pages: 212 pages
Choosing the Best Books on Patton
If you would like to expand your knowledge on Patton, any of these top books could be an excellent starting point. Whether you are interested in learning more about his career, or the man himself, there are profiles here and true accounts of his time as a leader. Learning more about Patton can give you a newfound respect for those at the front and for the great historical leaders in the USA. If you would like to expand your knowledge, any of these top books could serve as an excellent starting point.