“We must not only die gallantly; we must kill devastaiingly”
PATTON enjoyed talking with soldiers about their military tasks and duties, their martial spirit, their problems with equipment and procedures. Every time he gave a “war talk,” he was amused and thrilled Mto see the men pep up when they realize you have something to say and are not just talking.”
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Frederick Ayer, May 12, 1943
For the moment I am in a state of more or less suspended animation, except that I have to spend two or three nights a week on maneuvers, in the course of which I have destroyed two pair of trousers by being caught on the barbed wire.
The training we do over here is very much more realistic than anything I have ever seen. We actually fire ball cartridges over each others heads, actually blow up wire, and actually do lots of other things along the same lines.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, May 1
I am very healthy. I take exercises in the morning, including running, eat toast for breakfast, soup for lunch, take a mile and a half walk up a steep hill in evening, have one drink, eat a realy good and well cooked dinner, and go to bed at ten. Up at six.
He and Brigadier General John W. O’Daniel ran some experiments to judge the effectiveness of certain weapons against defenses. They fired the .50-caliber machine gun, the rocket gun, the antitank grenade, the 37-mm. gun with armor-piercing shell, the 75-mm. howitzer with high explosive shell and delay fuze, the flame thrower, and the bangalore torpedo. Patton found the tests “very encouraging.”
Diary, May 14
Did nothing all day except think about a training directive. I know what I want [to say] but find it hard to condense it enough. I guess I am mentally lazy...
Received a letter from General Marshall . . . Very nice, as he seldom praises...
I hope I get to work in the morning.
Summerall was writing to tell of his pride in Patton’s past accomplishments and his confidence in Patton’s even greater achievements ahead. The whole country believed that he was preparing to lead another expedition and had complete faith in him. Patton’s men were fighting for him because of his personality, because he constantly visited them at the front, and because he was quick to approve and reward performances well done. Troops, he reminded Patton, needed both success and recognition, and they followed leaders who gave them both. “I do not mean to lecture,” he concluded, “for you know all that I do and far more.”
Eisenhower was thinking of recommending Terry Allen to command a corps in the United States, but Patton requested his retention “at least until the initial phase of the operation is consummated” because of the “critical nature” of Husky, the “conspicuous place” of the division in the invasion, and Allen’s “experience as a combat leader.”
When Bradley arrived from Tunisia, Patton met him at the airport “to congratulate him in person.” He had already written him two letters of praise – because he was still hurt that Eisenhower had never patted him on the back for winning the battle of El Guettar. He had a guard of honor for Bradley at the headquarters, then a luncheon in his honor, a grand affair with “two bottles of champaigne and I drank to the health of the Conqueror of Bizerte.”
Diary, May 17
Ike called me to say we will probably do Husky as an Army. I have never asked him to do this, but am glad he is going to.
Actually, Marshall had suggested that since Montgomery would command an Army in Sicily, perhaps Patton ought also to have a command of equal importance, to enhance American “national prestige.” Eisenhower was “completely in favor.” In Sicily, the I Armored Corps headquarters would become the Seventh Army headquarters.
Had a long talk with Bradley. He grows on me as a very sound and extremely loyal soldier. We both feel that our chances of surviving Husky are not better than 50-50, but God, or luck, will tip the beam to us ...
Everything I have [ever] done [before] helps [in my tasks] now – it is more than a coincidence . . . I hope we land on the mainland [of Italy after we conquer Sicily].
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, May 17, 1943
Inclosed are three realy nice fan letters. I am sending some more fan male in a seperate envelope.
Leadership is a funny thing and just reafirms what Nap.[Napoleon] said, “In war men are nothing, a man is everything.” I remember in the last war seeing Hanson Ely completely change the 5th Division in three days. We did the same thing to four of them in ten days, and the funny thing is that I don’t know how I do it ...
I am not so keen on Alex as I was. I fear he is not too strong . . .
It seems probable that I will not have the I Armored Corps much longer, but, as our British friends say, “I am happy about it.” You can guess the rest. W[ayne] will be very mad indeed, but I am not taking over his number. As a matter of fact, we get on fine. He is much chasened.
Letter, Harbord to GSP, Jr., May 18, 1943
Every friend of yours – and the country seems to be full of them – has watched with intense interest the dispatches and smiled every time they heard your name mentioned ...
We saw your name . . . for a few days, then it suddenly disappeared, and we can only conjecture what has happened. My guess is that some operation is contemplated where it is expected to give you your opportunity . . . Another theory might be that you are rapidly becoming a hero, from the bulletins that are coming in, and there may be some other hero in the neighborhood who thinks his heroic qualities are obscured by yours . . . The press of the country seems to be for you. You have exactly the qualities that appeal to them.
In a demonstration of how to follow artillery bombardment closely, Patton rode in the tank of the captain of the leading company. Some shell fragments tore up the ground all around, and a few hit his tank. Two short rounds burst within about 20 yards of him. “I took the ride because some of the men felt it was dangerous.”
Eisenhower phoned to invite Patton and Bradley to attend a victory parade in Tunis to celebrate the end of the fighting in North Africa,
probably feeling that we had something to do with its existence. If we don’t go, there will be only British there, so we are going . . . AFHQ is really a British headquarters with a neuter general, if he is not pro-British. It is a hell of a note. Some day some one at home will tumble to what is going on.
Patton and Bradley flew to Tunis on May 20. They
passed over the ruins of Carthage, which are only visible on the map – on the ground there is nothing to see. However, the mountains back of it, of which I read a description in some old book, were perfectly familiar.
When we reached the [Tunis air]field, General Eisenhower had just arrived, driven by Kay. We both shook hands with him and congratulated him, but he was so busy meeting high ranking officers of the French and British Armies that we had no time to talk to him ...
After awhile the “sacred families” got into automobiles, escorted by British armored cars. We followed behind the escort . . . When we arrived near the reviewing rtand, the escorted party turned off one way and we were sent to a parking lot some blocks from the stand...
Bradley and I were put in a stand . . . largely occupied by French civilians and minor military officers ...
Mr. [Robert] Murphy and General Eisenhower were the only two Americans on the [reviewing] stand ...
In spite of their magnificent [physical] appearance, our men do not put up a good show in reviews. I think that we still lack pride in being soldiers, and we must develop it...
About thirty of us were asked to a lunch at the French Residency . . . It was a very formal and uneatable affair, but there were no toasts. Afterwards, most of us had to leave at once in order to get back to our stations before dark.
I hope this is only the first-of many such triumphal processions that I shall participate in. Bradley and I also hope that in the next one, we will have a more conspicuous role ...
General Giraud remembered me at once and was extremely complimentary in his remarks. He is a very impressive man and looks exactly like a modernized Vercingetorix.
Diary, May 22
Under the present arrangement for Husky, we have a pro-British straw man at the top, a British chief admiral and senior vice admiral, Cunningham and Ramsey. This makes our Admiral Hewitt third. Tedder controls the air with Spaatz, a straw man, under him . . . Conyngham commands the tactical air force and the close support air force by another British vice air marshal. Our close support air force is commanded by a Colonel. Browning is an airborne advisor [to Eisenhower] and trying to get command of the paratroops.
Alexander commands all the ground troops. His chief of staff is British, but we have a Director of Operations in Brigadier General Nevins and a Deputy Chief of Staff in Major General Huebner, which may help. General Montgomery, a full general, commands [Eighth Army]. I command – a poor last.
I cannot see how people at home don’t see it. The U.S. is getting gypped. All Seventh Army supplies come either over beaches or else through Siracusa, a British port, and I am told to arrange with Monty as to amounts [I will get]. Only an act of God or an accident can give us a run for our money. On a study of form, especially in the higher command, we are licked. Churchill runs this war and at the moment he is not interested in Husky.
The thing I must do is to retain my SELF-CONFIDENCE. I have greater ability than these other people and it comes from, for lack of a better word, what we must call greatness of soul based on a belief —an unshakable belief —in my destiny. The U.S. must win – not as an ally, but as a conqueror. If I can find my duty, I can do it. I must.
This is one of the bad days.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, May 24, 1943
You will be surprised to learn that I went swimming yesterday. As you know, I hate swimming but it is the least unplesant exercise available here. I had been doing calesthenics in the morning and walking a mile and a half up hill every evening, but walking is a bore though I did the distance in 20 minutes.
The beach is nice and I can run about half a mile and then lay in the sand ...
My [fan] mail is getting huge.
Diary, May 25
We took Alexander and Richardson on an extended inspection of all the various forms of training. They were very much impressed . . . The boats came in firing mortars and under fire themselves . . . The men then land and . . . using both high explosives and white phosphorus attack up a valley and eventually capture a pillbox with the use of a flame thrower.
The tactics on the part of the infantry were perfect except that the men were too slow in getting out of the boats and did not have their bayonets fixed . . . Alex was loud in his praise . . . as he should have been. We then . . . ended up with . . . the street-fighting instruction. This is really very terrifying to watch, and he was duly impressed.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Marshall, May 26, 1943
[Alexander was] really tremendously impressed . . . and kept repeating how much [he] admired the enthusiasm of the troops. There was implied criticism of their own troops in comparison with ours . . .
We also put on a street fighting demonstration with actual firing support . . . The bullets pass extremely close to the people’s heads . . . When I went through it personally, it frightened me to death . . .
Everything is moving along satisfactorily, and we have great confidence in our next operation.
Diary, May 26
Admiral Hewitt came to spend the night. He . . . did all the things we asked him after a little patting on the back. All you have to do to get him is to tell him how great he is.
Diary, May 28
On inspecting the troops, I found the officers looking on, and the noncommissioned officers doing the drilling. I put a stop to this. I then gave various groups of men some pep talks with [good] effect...
The authorities at AFHQ and at the Fifth Army do not realize that a trained soldier and an enlisted man are two different animals. To them a man is a man.
In spite of the fact that Ike and Wayne have both cussed the other to me, there is still some sort of an unholy alliance between them. I should not worry as I seem to be doing nicely, but I do worry. I am a fool – those two cannot upset [my] destiny. Besides I owe each of them quite a lot, but of course don’t know to what extent they have undercut me. The next show must be a success or a funeral.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Maj. Gen. W. D. Connor, Washington, D.C., May 28, 1943
As you know, the higher one gets the easier it really becomes, as long as the digestion remains good and you can sleep through bombardments and you don’t change your mind. I am also fortunate in having very good generals.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, May 28, 1943
We have plenty of good weapons now. All we need is the will and skill to use them properly ...
I still dislike machine gun fire more than either bombs or shelling. Mines are a distinct mental hazard ...
I will have to get rid of Stiller. He is too dumb and too crude. He tries hard but never clicks.
I hope George is still a cadet.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Donald M. Taylor, Peoria, III., May 30,
In spite of the efforts of the newspapers to paint me as a most profane and ungodly man, I am probably just as religious as you are. I am a Communicant of the Episcopal Church and attend services every Sunday.
I have received several letters from people making an earnest effort to save my soul, which, personally, I do not believe is in any great danger.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Pershing, May 30, 1943
Whatever ability I have shown or shall show as a soldier is the result of a studious endeavor to copy the greatest American soldier, namely, yourself. I consider it a priceless privilege to have served with you in Mexico and in France ...
Your ability to put away worry has been of inestimable value to me. The night we landed in Morocco I deliberately went to bed (in full pack of course) and slept for two hours after we sighted the coast in order to prove to myself that I could emulate you.
During our fighting in Tunisia, I studiously avoided worrying. One night, about 2:00 A.M., it was necessary to make a most momentous decision . . . I gave this my careful consideration, issued the orders, went back to bed, and went to sleep. I could never have done this if it had not been for the inspiring memory of what you have done under similar, although much more difficult, circumstances.
GSP, Jr., Message to the troops, May 30, 1943 (Memorial Day)
We must remember that victories are not gained solely by selfless devotion. To conquer, we must destroy our enemies. We must not only die gallantly; we must kill devastatingly. The faster and more effectively you kill, the longer will you live to enjoy the priceless fame of conquerors.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, June 1, 1943
I certainly have a lot of Dog. When I travel, sirens scream and motor cycles rush about. To day when I left SOS Headquarters, there was a big crowd who clapped and cheered. I kissed my hand to them which brought down the house. However, I am not sure they knew who I was, probably thought I was Ike ...
I feel about the Arabs the way you do – the dirty bastards ...
Here is my latest efusion [poem].
Diary, June 1
Ike called up late to say that “My American Boss will visit you in the morning ...” I asked him, “When did Mamie arrive?” Man cannot serve two masters. “My American Boss.”
Diary, June 2
Called Bradley early and told him to meet me . . . to see General Marshall. Neither Ike nor Clark had mentioned Bradley.
Patton sent Keyes to Algiers to settle several points on shipping.
I told Keyes to say that if we had to give up so many ships, we could not land, and then there would be no need for either air or mines. I think it is an unanswerable argument. If this show was run by one man instead of being guided by three, with a straw lay figure at the top —
Marshall, Handy, Bull, and McCarthy came to Patton’s headquarters to visit, and Patton showed them the maps and plans of the impending invasion, as well as some of the training exercises.
Clark left, at General Marshall’s suggestion, right after lunch. In Clark’s presence I told General Marshall how helpful Clark had been. I am getting tactful as hell, and in this case it is true. I think that if you treat a skunk nicely, he will not piss on you – as often.
Marshall was pleased by what he saw. He asked to have Harmon and Eddy to dinner, and was impressed by them and their combat experience. “I talked up Keyes to him.”
Shortly before we left the U.S. last October, General Marshall sent for me and said that he had a hunch Harmon was no good and suggested that I leave him. I said that if he ordered me to leave Harmon, I would, but not otherwise. He said, “On your head be it.” Tonight he said, “Patton, I was wrong about Harmon, and you were right. Will he be made a corps commander?” I said yes.
Few men in high places will admit a mistake. General Marshall went away up with me. I have never seen him more cheerful or in better health.
When Patton wrote to thank the girls of the American Red Cross Service Club at Mostaganem for entertaining officers from his headquarters, he received a warm reply from their chief, who said that none of them had ever seen a “he man” general. Could Patton please come by some time and let them “Oh!” and “Ah!” at him from a distance?
She enclosed a clipping from a magazine that told of Patton’s grandson walking around the library at Green Meadows, gazing at the walls covered with trophies of his grandfather’s sailing, hunting, military, and other achievements, and saying to his grandmother, “Where are we going to put Rommel when granddaddy catches him?”
Early in June, at the end of his first year, young George Patton was “found deficient in mathematics” and would have to leave the Military Academy. The Commandant of Cadets informed Patton that he had called George in
and had a good chat with him. Of course, he was terribly disappointed [to learn the news] . . . He has had a tendency to try too hard and, consequently, gets excited. He worked his heart out to stay here . . . and he did not want to let you down ...
George will undoubtedly take the re-examination soon and if he passes, he will come back in September [and start again].
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, June 9, 1943
I wrote George a letter telling him that I was very proud of him what ever happened and that I too would have to take an exam and might fail but not for lack of trying.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Frederick Ayer, June 75, 1943
I am naturally very distressed about George’s failure but apparently he came by his mathematical ability very naturally, and I now feel convinced he will end up as at least a lieutenant general, that is, if he continues to follow so accurately in my footsteps.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, June 20, 1943
I am delighted that he has elected to make a go of it. Of course it seems to me utterly ridiculous to turn a boy back on one subject during war when at the same time thousands of others are being commissioned through OCS ...
The present system is a waste of money and talent.
To Brigadier General P. E. Gallagher, Commandant of Cadets:
Of course, I am disappointed that he was turned back, but since I was turned back in the same subject, and [since] at present [I out-] rank every man in my original class [of 1908], I do not believe that the loss is irreparable.
I am sure that the spirit of self-confidence and sense of duty, which we get at West Point, is the most vital characteristic a soldier can have, and I would deeply regret any changes in our curriculum which would make it easier to learn ...
I am not a brilliant soldier. So far I have been quite a successful one because I am always fully confident that I can do what I am told to do, and have had my sense of duty developed to the point where I let no personal interests or danger interfere.
If cadets and soldiers could be made to understand that discipline and military courtesy are an index of their alertness, they might accept it more readily. It must be patent to the dumbest plebe or soldier that a stupidity that renders him oblivious to the immediate presence of an officer would also probably render him oblivious to the immediate presence of an enemy ...
I haye never seen a sloppy soldier who was a good soldier, and I have never seen a good soldier who is a sloppy soldier . . .
Again thanking you for your interest and trusting that George will return and get to be a cadet officer, I am with renewed thanks . . .
George was once again being tutored by Dr. Silverman. He would take and pass the examination, re-enter West Point, and, like his father, graduate after spending five years at the institution.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Brig. Gen. H. D. Chamberlin, June 4, 1943
The fact of having participated in athletics is of great value to a fighter . . . because in battle as in polo or football, one has to think under pressure. Also, we who have engaged in sports know that you can never win except by unremitting offensive.
People who gain a knowledge of war solely from books are apt to think that the apparent virtue of defense makes it superior to the offense, but wars are not won by apparent virtue – else I would be in a hell of a fix —but by continued optimism and a fighting spirit.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Frederick Ayer, June 4, 1943
The other day one of our chaplains, a venerable and holy man, was walking down the street. An Arab woman kept following him and saying, “chocolate, chocolate.” Finally, in very bad French, he said that he had no chocolate. To which she replied in very good English, “No chocolate, no fuck, go to hell!” . . .
I am getting much thinner, which I think is a good thing and is due largely to the fact that we have been training quite hard, including swimming and running on the beach at least five afternoons a week...
One of our officers the other day began copying the British and putting the initials of his decorations after his name, so today I wrote him a letter, adding the simple initials, S.O.B.
On June 5, Patton issued a letter of instructions to his subordinate commanders. In it he set forth the principles he wished them to follow in the approaching Sicilian campaign:
In view of your long experience and demonstrated ability, I have certain diffidence in writing this letter; nonetheless . . . I would be remiss in my duty if I failed to express my views and outline as briefly as may be, certain points in the conduct of operations which I expect you to observe.
There is only one sort of discipline – perfect discipline . . .
Discipline is based on pride in the profession of arms, on meticulous attention to details, and on mutual respect and confidence. Discipline must be a habit so ingrained that it is stronger than the excitement of battle or the fear of death.
Discipline can only be obtained when all officers are so imbued with the sense of their lawful obligation to their men and to their country that they cannot tolerate negligence. Officers who fail to correct errors or to praise excellence are valueless in peace and dangerous misfits in war.
Officers must assert themselves by example and by voice.
The history of our invariably victorious armies demonstrates that we are the best soldiers in the world. Currently, many of you defeated and destroyed the finest troops Germany possesses. This should make your men proud. This should make you proud. This should imbue your units with unconquerable self-confidence and pride in demonstrated ability . . .
There is no approved solution to any tactical situation.
There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is: “To so use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wounds, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum of time.”
Never attack [enemy] strength [but rather his weakness] . . .
You can never be too strong. Get every man and gun you can secure provided it does not delay your attack ...
Casualties vary directly with the time you are exposed to effective fire . . . Rapidity of attack shortens the time of exposure . . .
If you cannot see the enemy, and you seldom can, shoot at the place he is most likely to be ...
Our mortars and our artillery are superb weapons when they are firing. When silent, they are junk – see that they fire!
Battles are won by frightening the enemy. Fear is induced by inflicting death and wounds on him. Death and wounds are produced by fire. Fire from the rear is more deadly and three times more effective than fire from the front...
Few men are killed by bayonets, but many are scared by them. Having the bayonet fixed makes our men want to close. Only the threat to close will defeat a determined enemy ...
In mountain warfare, capture the heights and work downhill . . .
Never permit a unit to dig in until the final objective is reached, then dig, wire, and mine ...
Never take counsel of your fears. The enemy is more worried than you are. Numerical superiority, while useful, is not vital to successful offensive action. The fact that you are attacking induces the enemy to believe that you are stronger than he is ...
A good solution applied with vigor now is better than a perfect solution ten minutes later ...
IN CASE OF DOUBT, ATTACK! . . .
Mine fields, while dangerous, are not impassable. They are far less of hazard than artillery concentrations ...
Speed and ruthless violence on the beaches is vital. There must be no hesitation in debarking. To linger on the beach is fatal.
In landing operations, retreat is impossible ...
Weapons will be kept in perfect working order at all times . . .
Vehicles will be properly maintained in combat as elsewhere . . .
We can conquer only by attacking ...
Continued ruthless pressure by day and by night is vital . . .
We must be particularly emphatic in the ruthless destruction of the enemy.
This was the essence of Patton’s method of warfare. It was important in shaping the mental outlook of his officers and, thereby, the character of the campaign.
But still some practical details had to be settled.
Diary, June 5
Huebner, Cannon, and a couple of British air officers came and we argued for hours as to what air-ground forces we should take . . . If we took all that the air wants, we should have no soldiers left with which to assault the beach. If we don’t take some air-ground troops, the [airjfields can’t be repaired [after capture]. Also, the Navy has suddenly pulled out 4 LST’s to lay mines. I suppose we will also have losses before we start and during the trip. On the other hand, I think that we will get some local surprise, at least as to the strength of our attack, as the Boches don’t know about the dukws and without dukws we could not land such a big force.
Bradley, Terry Allen [and others] came over for me to settle some arguments. Terry wanted the paratroopers to land on his left instead of his right. They can’t, due to terrain. Next, he wanted to open fire at 2300, D minus 1 [the evening before the assault]. No. Then he wanted some self-propelled guns. No. He thinks that the 1st Division is the only unit in the show ...
There are a lot of starry-eyed State Department boys busting to raise the living standard of Arabs who should be all killed off . . . No State Department people should be permitted in a theater of war, nor at the peace treaty.
Major General John Lucas, an old friend who had served with Patton in Mexico, arrived in the theater. Marshall had sent him to be of help to Eisenhower in any capacity Eisenhower wished to use him. Because of Lucas’ maturity and broad military experience, Eisenhower appointed him his deputy commander and charged him with keeping Eisenhower informed of general conditions and, more specifically, of the activities carried out by the combat elements. Lucas was to act as Eisenhower’s eyes and ears or as a special liaison officer to the subordinate headquarters. He visited Patton and stayed the night.
Diary, June 7
I got Lucas well indoctrinated in what we need and told him to say it was his idea and not mine. He was particularly impressed with the necessity of having the 9th Division immediately available for reinforcement...
Lucas too feels that Ike is just a staff officer and not a soldier. Too bad. When Lucas came over [to Africa], General Marshall said to him, “The situation at AFHQ is not satisfactory, or I should say it is very dangerous.” Myself, Bradley, or Keyes could do the job. Personally I don’t want it.
Diary, June 8
For some reason I am, if possible, too confident, yet at times I fear I am not doing all I should. A feeling of being a chip in a river of destiny pervades me, but while it is good for my self-confidence, it is bad for my activity. Yet I can’t see anything I can do except be mentally and physically alert.
He was glad to hear from Harbord who said he had received a letter from Mrs. Patton “about the intention of you two and Mrs. Jenson” – actually it was Beatrice’s idea – to establish a scholarship fund as a memorial “to your gallant Aide.” Harbord said he would help.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Frederick Ayer, June p, 1P43
In any of these fights, a general officer who does his duty has got to expose himself. Otherwise, he cannot look himself in the face and order men to do things that he is afraid to do himself. I am sure that whatever success I have had has resulted from my adherence to this belief ...
Save up a good drink, preferably a cocktail, of which I have only tasted three in the last eight months, to drink when and if you read about me in the paper ...
If I should conk [out], I do not wish to be disinterred after the war. It would be more pleasant to my ghostly future to lie among my soldiers than to rest in the sanctimonious precincts of a civilian cemetary . . . However, don’t worry about this because I have no idea of departing this life.
Diary, June 9
I am going to see Ike tomorrow. Keyes advises that I just appear happy and ask for nothing. It should have a good effect on Ike, who is run to death.
Diary, June 10
Went to see Ike and told him that I wanted nothing and had no complaint. ..
Ike is getting foolish and bothering about things such as who is to be head nurse; far below his dignity.
I also saw Admiral Hewitt, who is in a haze as usual.
Diary, June 13
Went to church and heard a most incoherent sermon. I have the trots.
“Everything is going on well,” he informed Beatrice, “and I am if any thing too confident.” The invasion was little more than three weeks away.
Patton, Bradley, and Keyes drove to the Oran airfield, where they met Clark and awaited the arrival of the King of England and the Secretary of State for War, Sir James Grigg. Clark rode with the King, Patton with Grigg.
I found him very much a politician but very broad-minded. He gives you the impression of an American more than an Englishman . . . He said that Alexander had told him that the American troops would shortly be the best soldiers in the world. I said that I did not like to disagree with General Alexander, but at present the American soldiers are the best soldiers in the world, and will take on any soldiers of any country at any time. He hemmed a little and said, “That is what I meant,” and after that we were quite friendly. Although this may sound impolite, it is the only way to talk to an Englishman ...
Relative to making a staff work, Sir James said, “Don’t keep dogs and bark yourself.” . . .
S.M. [Sa Majesté – His Majesty] is just a grade above a moron. Poor little fellow.
He visited Eddy’s 9th Division and was very much impressed.
After supper I addressed all the officers. I told them that I had come to tell them how to fight but after seeing them, I knew I had nothing to tell them. I then stressed shooting and killing, and the use of the bayonet, and the fact that Americans are the pick of the more adventurous people of all races.
He also told them, as he wrote Beatrice, that they would soon enter another battle alongside their allies and that
for years we had competed with them in tennis, in sailing, on the track, in shooting, and in polo. Once more we were in a competition – a competition to see who would first defeat our common foe. It would be the grandest tournament of all.
Patton was up at 1:45 A.M. to see a practice landing. “The Navy was 45 minutes late but hit the beach exactly.” The troops performed as nearly perfect as I had ever seen troops do . . . They came ashore very fast, spread out at once, and proceeded with speed and determination to their objectives – the high hills two miles from the shore – and occupied their summits in about two hours . . . The shore parties were also superior, and the ship-to-shore radio seemed to be working . . . The most satisfactory night operation I have seen. I was delighted with the whole thing.
Diary, June 19
I started to write my order of the day . . . Went out to shoot my weapons.
Diary, June 20
Went to church with Gay. We had a new preacher, at my insistence, who was good. He preached on the willingness to accept responsibility, even to your own hurt. That ability is what we need and what Ike lacks. But I do feel that I don’t. I pray daily to do my duty, retain my self-confidence, and accomplish my destiny. No one can live under the awful responsibility I have without Divine help. Frequently I feel that I don’t rate it.
In Algiers on June 21, to attend a meeting where the final plans were to be presented, Patton first went to see Wigglesworth about the air support for Sicily. “He said that he would do his best. I doubt this . . . I still feel sure we will get double-crossed.”
All the “top flight officers” were present except Montgomery, who was entertaining the King.
Diary, June 21
Alexander opened the proceedings . . .
Eisenhower then talked for ten minutes – rather badly I thought – acting as an associate rather than a commander.
Captain Brownrigg of the British Navy gave the general naval plan which is terribly complicated but well thought out.
Admiral Hewitt was then called on ahead of the time he thought he was going to speak, with the result that his map did not arrive until half the conference was completed. The map was then put on the board with the result that it was not properly connected. His speech was not conducive to confidence.
Ramsey gave the British naval plan with charts and spoke well . . .
Tedder slept through the entire performance. Conyngham came on for the air and talked and talked and made no definite statements . . . Air Commodore Beamish . . . talked for forty-five minutes at the rate of five words and three ah’s every minute.
Tea for thirty minutes, after which [Patton’s] force, for the first time denominated Seventh Army, came on. We stole the show by using the War College method at Keyes’ suggestion. I made a six-minute talk on the general mission and plan, and was followed by [the principal staff members] . . . The total presentation of the group took twenty-two minutes and thirty seconds, which was thirty seconds longer than we had rehearsed it for . . . Ike was pleased and, for a change, said so.
Patton explained what the Seventh Army expected to do. His men would fight ashore and attack inland to establish a solid front, “a secure base line from which to undertake further operations for the complete subjugation of the island as may be directed.” Exactly how these “further operations” were to develop had yet to be decided.
Diary, June 22
Commanders and staffs went to hear the very secret G—2 estimate by the British. The man who gave it knew a lot but succeeded in keeping it to himself . . .
Then we all asked questions about what the Air would do and gradually forced them to promise quite a lot. Here it was that Ike missed being great. He could have faced the issue but sat mute . . .
So ended a very momentous conference. Had it taken place six weeks earlier, it would have saved much misunderstanding and made a better attack ...
Alex said that it was foolish to consider British and Americans as one people, as we are each foreigners to the other. I said that it was so and the sooner everyone recognized it the better. I told him that my boisterous method of command would not work with the British no matter how successful with Americans, while his cold method would never work with Americans. He agreed.
I found out that he has an exceptionally small head. That may explain things.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, June 26, 1943
Poor D is having a hell of a time with politics . . .
I had a letter . . . from a preacher . . . He hoped I thought about Jesus and reminded that I would die and go to hell if I did not.
I wrote him that I was amazed at his temerity in writing me such a letter when I was a far better Christian than he was.
Letter GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, June 26, 1943
I had my teeth cleaned to day and had only one small cavaty . . .
I am going out and do a little more pistol practice . . . but I have become so sacred that I wont have a chance for any personal combat, but I am ready. Everett and John Lucas and Beedle all lecture me so much against taking risks that it is making a woman of me. I suppose they are sincere, but some times I wonder if they think I will set too hot a pace.
At this stage of a party one can only wonder. Le sort en est jete [The die is cast – or, the dice are rolled].
We are moving in with Hewitt next week and will be bored and over fed for a long time . . .
I dont expect to be killed, but if I am, I hope it is a nice clean job. But I have the feeling of being a chip on the river of destiny going to a predestined place of whose location I am ignorant. My chief concern is to do my full duty, retain my self confidence and follow my star.
Speaking of stars, I don’t think I need any more for a while. If all goes very well, I may [be promoted and need them] . . .
Some people say people are jealous of me but I don’t see it and refuse to think about it. I can still close my mind to unpleasant things and it is a good habit as I get quite a few kicks and jabs by little foolish underlings.
I am like the nigger prisoner who said, “I am sure going to get on with the jailer, and I expect to do most of the getting on.”
Diary, June 27
Went to communion . . . very high church but I like it.
Spoke to officers and warrant officers of the 45th Division. Had to make two speeches as the groups were about 15 miles apart. I did not repeat myself . . . I believe this division will do all right, but as in the case with every division, the first fight may find the young officers lacking in drive.
GSP, Jr., Talk to 45th Division, June 2j, 1943
Clearly all of you must know that combat is imminent . . . You are competing with veterans, but don’t let that worry you. All of them, too, fought their first battle, and all of them won their first battle just as you will win yours. Battle is far less frightening than those who have never been in it are apt to think. All this bull about thinking of your mother and your sweetheart and your wives (who should also be your sweethearts) is overemphasized by writers who describe battles, not as they are, but as the writers who have never heard a hostile shot or missed a meal think they are.
Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base.
All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty ...
Remember that the enemy is just as frightened as you are, probably more so . . . The attacker wins. You cannot win by parrying. Yet the enemy, being uncertain of our intentions, must parry . . .
Booby traps are what the name implies – boobies get trapped . . .
You have a sacred trust in your men and to your country, and you are lower than the lowest thing that lives if you are false to this trust. An officer . . . must always be willing and anxious to take the chances his men must take. He must lead, not push, and he must assert himself ...
Pride is the greatest thing a man can have . . .
We Americans are a competitive race. We bet on anything. We love to win. In this next fight, you are entering the greatest sporting competition of all times . . . for the greatest prize of all – victory.
Diary, June 28
Cleaned up desk and signed many papers . . . Tomorrow we start on the first lap of the next journey. I feel very confident especially as I saw some pictures of the [hostile] beach taken recently and it looks better than I had hoped. “Man proposes but God disposes.”
Diary, June 29
Reported to Ike about 1700. He was full of praise for the 3d Division but, never mentioned the fact that I made it what it is. I fear that I was untactful . . .
Wedemeyer is an idealist. He talked to me about who will run things after the war and proposed me. I declined, being a liar, but it is much too soon to make plans to be of effect after the war; one must end as a beloved victorious leader and many men must die before I am that. And luck may not hold!
Diary, June 30
Came on board . . . Much piping, etc. Have very nice room with bath . . . a desk and a clothes closet . . . My name is painted on the door and I have two mess boys to serve me. Keyes eats with me.
Diary, July 1
The 1st Division is back on its feet and so is Terry. Teddy [Roosevelt] . . . is a problem, but I think should have the 1st Division when Allen goes. He will need a strong No. 2 as he is weak on discipline but a brave and fairly good fighter. He bootlicks me to beat Hell.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, July 2, 1943
The only thing that bores me is that I have nothing to do, just sit and wait . . .
With in the last few months there has been a great improvement in the soldiers. They are at last becoming professionals and look and act the part. Yesterday a lot of them saluted me when I was in my bathing suit. This is truly remarcable and shows that they wanted to, as they could have easily pretended not to recognize me.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Francis P. Graves, July 2, 1943
I stop [smoking] regularly and as regularly start again. But when I am really busy, I find that I smoke less than when I am sitting around as I am at present.
Diary, July 2
Went to a movie of myself in Tunisia. I do not photograph well, or I think I look better than I do – probably the latter.
Diary, July 3
Bedell Smith . . . takes delight in smearing the character of everyone . . . Brigadier Strong, G-2, AFHQ . . . would agree to anything . . .
Went to see Vice Air Marshal Wigglesworth and told him that I was pleased with the Air plan – this is not wholly true, but I can now only work by seduction. He showed me the combined air and navy map room of AFHQ —not an American in it ...
Saw Allen and told him how good he is. He is a good battle leader . . .
All the men steal looks at me – it is complimentary but a little terrible. I am their God or so they seem to think.
Diary, July 4
It looks as if fate were fattening me up for something. I hope I perform when the time comes. Battles take years to get ready for, and all one’s life can be expressed in one little decision but that decision is the labor of uncounted years. It is not genius but memory – unconscious memory – and character, and Divine Wrath which does not hesitate nor count the cost . . . I am sending possibly thousands to death and glory and don’t, or won’t, think about it. The human mind is very queer – only God could have devised such a complex machine.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Handy, July 5, 1943
I have a great optimism about this operation, springing largely from the heart rather than the head. However, I do feel that the training . . . is so much better than it was in Torch as to be beyond comparision...
There is a lot of bunk to this so-called amphibious training. The chief people that need it are the Navy, and they need it for three things – to find where they are going; to get there on time; and to handle small boats in the surf. These three things they can practice without any soldiers being around.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Frederick Ayer, July 5,
This letter will be mailed after D Day . . . It is not a goodbye, as the higher ranking I get, the less chance I have to do any real fighting. However, one can always take a long swim, and swimming in oily water, which is on fire, is not healthy . . .
If you read in the papers that I have been killed, wait till you get a War Department confirmation, because I have a great many lives, and at the moment do not feel at all dead. In fact, I am looking forward with a lot of pleasure to some very good excitement . . .
If we should not meet again until we get to the other side, I am assured on credible authority that the heavenly foxes are fast, the heavenly hounds keen, the fogbank fences high and soft, and the landings firm. The horses of the sun have always been celebrated. “Whoop Ho! for a kill in the open!”
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, July 5, 1943
We pull out in the morning for the invasion of Sicily . . . I think it will be a pretty bloody show ...
I doubt that I will be killed or even wounded, but one can never tell. It is all a question of destiny.
I think we are as well prepared as it is possible to be, and the men are very anxious to go ...
Well when you get this you will be a widow or a radio fan, I trust the latter. In either case I love you.
Diary, July 5
Went to say goodbye to General Ike . . . Ike started out by giving me a long lecture on the bad discipline of the 1st Division. I told him he was mistaken and that, anyhow, no one whips a dog just before putting him in a fight.
Then he talked about criticism of the Air Corps . . . I told him that, due to his efforts, we were apparently going to get [air] support. This was a fib, as I was the one who attacked them and made them come across.
At no time did Ike wish us luck and say he was back of us – fool.
After others . . . left, I told him that I was very appreciative of being selected [for Husky].
He said, “You are a great leader but a poor planner.”
I replied that, except for Torch, which I had planned and which was a high success, I had never been given a chance to plan.
He said that if Husky turned into a slugging match, he might recall me to get ready for the next operation and let Bradley finish Husky.
I protested that I would like to finish one show.
I can’t make out whether he thinks Bradley is a better close fighter than I am or whether he wants to keep in with General Marshall, who likes Bradley. I know that Bradley is completely loyal to me.
Ike has never asked me to a meal since I have been here, one week. However, it turns out I would not change places with anyone I know. I am leading 90,000 men in a desperate attack and eventually it [my Army] will be over 250,000 [men]. If I win, I can’t be stopped! If I lose, I shall be dead.
Letter, GSP, Jr., to Beatrice, July 5, 1943
I have just written you and Fred letters which Hughes will mail after the day. So there is nothing much to add here ...
I shall not be in a position to write for a while nor will I get any mail for some time. But things pass very quickly. I have no premonitions and hope to live for ever.