ing the practice of many promotions to come. His experiences in Mexico prepared him for the soon to come war in Europe. In France during World War One Patton was offered a position as a tank core commander. In his journals, he wrote, “I will have to grow and grow a lot. But I will. Here is my chance.”3 soldier’s testimonies added to his reputation of being a tough commander. After a battle, he was quoted by some soldiers as saying “You are not beaten until you admit it. Hence don’t!”4 By the end of World War One Patton had proved himself to be one of leading American officers and one of the future’s strongest military leaders. In this, he made a well-known name for himself. Between the two World Wars, Patton feared he would not be used for what he thought God had put him on Earth to do. Such fear is evident in the following passage taken from a letter he wrote in the 1930’s:“As I approach 41 and there 3is no war...I fear that I shall live to retire a useless soldier.”5Patton knew in 1939 that the war in Europe was his destiny. The General understood what he faced in leaving for war. This is stressed in a entry of his journal which reads, “This is my last night in America. It may be for years and it may be forever.”6 The General’s first combat experience of World War Two was in Africa when he fought against the best the German's had to offer, General Erwin Rommel. Patton’s leadership lead to the first major defeats of the Germans to the Americans. This proved to the world that the Americans and General George Smith Patton were a force to be reckoned with. While in Africa Patton said to his men “If I win I can’t be stopped! If I lose I shall be dead.”7 This famous quote was one of many which showed the nature of his thoughts. After the African campaign, Patton fought brilliantly in Sicily and Italy helping to prepare ...
