The Military Life of George Smith Patton, Jr. George Smith Patton, Jr., once said, “Better to fight for something than live for nothing.” This quote exemplifies the life in which Patton lived. As an adolescent, Patton showed an early passion in the United States Military Academy and displayed strict discipline, toughness, and self-sacrifice, the prime characteristics of a military leader. Patton’s continuous drive, determination, and passion led him to a successful military career. George Smith Patton, Jr., was born on November 11, 1885 in the city of San Gabriel, California. Before formally initiating his education at the age of eleven, Patton displayed difficulties in spelling and reading, which led historians to speculate he suffered from …show more content…
With honor, Patton reached the following ranks: cadet, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general, and general. The United States was fortunate to have a natural born military leader like Patton. Throughout ranks, Patton received decorations and medals from the United States for his bravery. Those awards include: Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Silver Lifesaving Medal, Mexican Border Service Medal, World War I Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal. Patton’s continuous drive, determination, and passion led him to the awards. Patton was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross when he was badly wounded during combat, laid in a shell hole for hours until it was safe to evacuate, and refused to be taken to the hospital until he reported to his commander (Lovelace). Not only the United States, Patton also received a number of medals from foreign territories including Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Luxembourg, Morocco, Russia, and the United Kingdom. This shows the widespread of his heroic, selfless