The Maxims of General Patton - Paperback

by Gary Bloomfield (Author)

Journal entries, speeches, quotes, and more that reveal a new side of this WWII military icon, with period photos included.

Gen. George S. Patton was one of the most tenacious, unstoppable players in the United States� European Campaign of World War II. Few know that beneath his tough and sometimes controversial public image was a man of complexity who competed as an Olympic athlete and wrote poetry.

The contemplative side of this dynamic man is displayed in this collection of poems, journal entries, quotations, and speeches. This in-depth journey through the mind of a truly remarkable American is accompanied by period photographs, and reveals new dimensions of the renowned commander.

Back Jacket

General. Olympic athlete. Poet. George S. Patton was one of the most unstoppable players in the United States Army during the Second World War. He was feared by the enemy, including Adolf Hitler, who found him to be one of the most impressive men on the battlefront. Controversial and often unpredictable, this commander led determined men throughout North Africa and across Europe with relentless speed and persistence.

In this collection, Patton's personal poems, journal entries, quotations, and speeches are available for readers to explore and enjoy. Each turn of the page reveals another dimension of this man known for his unwillingness to tolerate malingering soldiers, the Germans, or misplaced humor in the face of danger.

Gary L. Bloomfield is the author and coauthor of two books about World War II and editor of two books on the topic. He is the former managing editor of Veterans of Foreign Wars magazine and an Army Journalist of the Year. A former civil servant himself, Bloomfield has appeared on CNN and various radio programs.

Author Biography

Having grown up on army bases around the world, Gary L. Bloomfield is no stranger to the life of a soldier. He gained first-hand experience after graduating from Stuttgart American High School in Germany in 1970, as he was drafted two years later and served two tours with the United States Army.

Over the course of ten years as a photo-journalist and newspaper editor for the U.S. Army News Team in Europe, Bloomfield's photos were included in publications such as Time, Newsweek, National Lampoon, Soldier of Fortune, Stars & Stripes, Soldiers, and Army magazines. His work earned him the honors of Army Journalist of the Year 1976 and U.S. Forces Korea Best Journalist for 1977.

Upon his return to the United States, Bloomfield earned his bachelor's degree in English from Avila College and a master's in communications from Baker University. He went on to serve as the managing editor of VFW magazine for six years.

Bloomfield is the author, co-author, and editor of numerous books about WWII, including the Benjamin Franklin award-winning book Duty, Honor, Victory: America's Athletes in World War II. He has appeared on CNN, the History Channel, and various radio programs.

Bloomfield resides in Belton, Missouri, with his high school sweetheart, Anita.