George S. Patton: The Background, Strategies, Tactics and Battlefield Experiences of the Greatest Commanders of History

Steven Zaloga

Osprey Publishing, Jun 22, 2010 - History - 64 pages

George S. Patton Jr. was the iconic American field commander of World War II, and widely regarded as the US Army's finest practitioner of mechanized warfare. This title examines Patton's colorful life and leadership in three wars, with a concentration on his command in World War II. Despite his ability, Patton was thoroughly reviled by most GIs, partly due to his insistence on traditional military discipline in the ranks, but also because of his unwillingness to pander to the growing power of the press. This combination of ability and controversy have combined to make him one of the most interesting figures in American military history.

Steven Zaloga's contribution to Osprey's newest series, Command, addresses this iconic figure from his early life to his life after war. Including an analysis of Patton's mind and motivations, strict training methods and the controversies surrounding Patton and his relationship with his soldiers and with Eisenhower, Zaloga's text is a concise but important look into the life of one of the most famous commanders of World War II.

What people are saying

Review: George S. Patton (Command #3)

User Review  - Steven Peterson - Goodreads

Another solid brief work on "Leadership, Strategy, Conflict." Here, the focus is famed General, George S. Patton. Ther book traces the development of his ideas, his earning command in North Africa ...

Contents

• INTRODUCTION: 4
• THE EARLY YEARS: 6
• THE MILITARY LIFE: 8
• THE HOUR OF DESTINY: 15
• OPPOSING COMMANDERS: 51
• INSIDE THE MIND: 56
• A LIFE IN WORDS: 60
• FURTHER READING: 62
• GLOSSARY: 63
• INDEX: 64

About the author

Steven J. Zaloga received his BA in history from Union College and his MA from Columbia University. He has worked as an analyst in the aerospace industry for over two decades, covering missile systems and the international arms trade, and has served with the Institute for Defense Analyses, a federal think-tank. He is the author of numerous books on military technology and military history, with an accent on the US Army in World War II as well as Russia and the former Soviet Union. The author lives in Laurel, MD.

Bibliographic information

• Title: George S. Patton: The Background, Strategies, Tactics and Battlefield Experiences of the Greatest Commanders of History; Volume 3 of Command (Oxford, England); Volume 3 of Command / Command
• Author: Steven Zaloga
• Illustrated by: Steve Noon
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2010
• ISBN: 1846034590, 9781846034596
• Length: 64 pages
• Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / Military; History / Military / United States; History / Military / World War II