United States Army General. He was the son of famed World War II General George S. Patton Jr. He was in his last year at West Point when his father died after a traffic accident in Germany in December 1945. He served in the Korean War and as a Colonel, he commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. For his three Vietnam tours, he was awarded the Purple Heart and twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest decoration for bravery in combat. As a Major General in 1975, he took command of the Second Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. His father had led that division in North Africa in WW II. He retired from the United States Army in 1980. Interesting burial details...Upon the death of General George Smith Patton, he was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in a simple pine box made by the sisters of the Abbey of Regina Laudis from trees grown on the property. His daughter Margaret was the Mother Superior of the Abbey. The insignia of the 2nd Armored Division and the 11th Armored Cavalry are inscribed on the coffin as well as the emblem of the cross. Also, the unit flags were placed inside prior to burial.
United States Army General. He was the son of famed World War II General George S. Patton Jr. He was in his last year at West Point when his father died after a traffic accident in Germany in December 1945. He served in the Korean War and as a Colonel, he commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. For his three Vietnam tours, he was awarded the Purple Heart and twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest decoration for bravery in combat. As a Major General in 1975, he took command of the Second Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. His father had led that division in North Africa in WW II. He retired from the United States Army in 1980. Interesting burial details...Upon the death of General George Smith Patton, he was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in a simple pine box made by the sisters of the Abbey of Regina Laudis from trees grown on the property. His daughter Margaret was the Mother Superior of the Abbey. The insignia of the 2nd Armored Division and the 11th Armored Cavalry are inscribed on the coffin as well as the emblem of the cross. Also, the unit flags were placed inside prior to burial.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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