Military history · United States · 1885–1945
George S. Patton Life & Career Timeline
Cavalry tradition, armoured warfare and rapid operational command.
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18851894190319121921193019391945
GSGeorge S. PattonMilitary history · United States
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About George S. Patton
George S. Patton became one of the best-known U.S. commanders of the Second World War through armoured campaigns in North Africa and Europe.
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George S. Patton biography
George S. Patton timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in San Gabriel
George Smith Patton Jr. was born into a family with a strong military tradition.
Source: www.army.milGraduates from West Point
Patton was commissioned into the U.S. cavalry.
Source: www.army.milCompetes in Olympic pentathlon
He finished fifth in the first modern pentathlon at the Olympic Games.
Source: www.army.milMotorised raid in Mexico
During the Punitive Expedition, Patton led an early U.S. motor-vehicle combat action.
Source: www.army.milJoins the new Tank Corps
Patton became an early American advocate and organiser of armoured warfare.
Source: www.army.milWounded at Meuse-Argonne
He was shot while leading tanks and infantry during the offensive.
Source: www.army.milReturns to cavalry and tank study
Between wars, Patton studied history, doctrine and mechanisation.
Source: www.army.milArmy Chief of Staff’s cavalry aide
Senior assignments kept Patton connected to both traditional cavalry and modernisation.
Source: www.army.milCommands 2nd Armored Brigade
He helped train and shape rapidly expanding U.S. armoured forces.
Source: www.army.milOperation Torch landing
Patton led the Western Task Force and captured Casablanca.
Source: www.army.milTakes command of II Corps
He restored discipline and combat confidence after the Kasserine Pass defeat.
Source: www.army.milSeventh Army lands in Sicily
Patton’s forces captured Palermo and reached Messina.
Source: www.army.milSlapping incidents
Patton struck two hospitalised soldiers suffering combat stress, leading to a formal reprimand and apology.
Source: www.army.milCommands fictional army group
Operation Fortitude used Patton’s reputation to mislead Germany about the D-Day landing site.
Source: www.army.milThird Army becomes operational
Patton’s army broke out and advanced rapidly across France.
Source: www.army.milRelieves Bastogne
Third Army pivoted north during the Battle of the Bulge and reached the besieged city.
Source: www.army.milAdvances into Czechoslovakia
Third Army completed a fast campaign across southern Germany before victory in Europe.
Source: www.army.milDies after car accident
Patton died twelve days after suffering severe injuries near Mannheim.
Source: www.army.milThis educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with George S. Patton or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: U.S. Army / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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About the George S. Patton timeline
Who is George S. Patton?
George S. Patton became one of the best-known U.S. commanders of the Second World War through armoured campaigns in North Africa and Europe.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1885–1945.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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