Patton christens the Rhine

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rhodesbe

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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:

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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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WFT

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He looks like a little boy with knickers taking a leak, oblivious to anything. Amazing, never heard that story, or seen that pic. Thanks for sharing.
 

rhodesbe

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Patton wasn't the tactical genius he's often made to be, and frankly he made some pretty dumb decisions in retrospect.

However, he had supreme confidence in his American solders. Many can make the case the if not for numerical/logistical/airpower superiority, the GIs in Europe would be mediocre at best.
Patton disagreed with that sentiment with all his might. The crazy bastard would've taken on the whole world if they stood in his way, as long as he had his GIs and noncoms.

He pushed hard, because he thought his men's sense of glory and abilities called for it. He was a true 'shut up and do it' leader. Pissing in the Rhine... an extension of the 'F*%# you, and your whole army' his enemies hated.
 


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