In the events leading up to March 1945, General Patton had lost over 130,000 men, 4500 tanks, tens of thousands of trucks and jeeps, lost two armies, was reprimanded 3 times, and had been engaged in over 600 days of combat with Nazi Germany, the Italians, and the Vichy French.
Knowing that makes this picture that much more meaningful:
General George S. Patton relieved himself in the Rhine on March 24, 1945-and made sure he was photographed doing so.
Patton later recalled: “I drove to the Rhine River and went across on the pontoon bridge. I stopped in the middle to take a piss and then picked up some dirt on the far side in emulation of William the Conqueror.”
Later that day he sent a communiqué to General Dwight D. Eisenhower: (commander of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) “Dear SHAEF, I have just pissed into the Rhine River. For God’s sake, send some gasoline.”
I hope we never forget the lessons, personalities, and bitter outcomes of 'the last great war of attrition'. RIP combat veterans, your nation(s) still remember you.
Knowing that makes this picture that much more meaningful:
General George S. Patton relieved himself in the Rhine on March 24, 1945-and made sure he was photographed doing so.
Patton later recalled: “I drove to the Rhine River and went across on the pontoon bridge. I stopped in the middle to take a piss and then picked up some dirt on the far side in emulation of William the Conqueror.”
Later that day he sent a communiqué to General Dwight D. Eisenhower: (commander of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) “Dear SHAEF, I have just pissed into the Rhine River. For God’s sake, send some gasoline.”
I hope we never forget the lessons, personalities, and bitter outcomes of 'the last great war of attrition'. RIP combat veterans, your nation(s) still remember you.
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