Leading U.S. Army general in World War II. In his 36-year Army career, he was an advocate of armored warfare and commanded major units in North Africa, Sicily, and the European Theater of Operations. Many have viewed Patton as a pure and ferocious warrior, well suited by the nickname “Old Blood and Guts,” given to him after a reporter misquoted his statement that it takes blood and brains to win a war. TLS signed “G. S. Patton, Jr.,” one page, 8 x 10, Headquarters, Third United States Army letterhead, July 7, 1945. Patton writes to the wife of a fallen soldier. In full: “Replying to your letter of 8 June, I am informed by Captain Clayton S. Furches, Personnel Officer of the 328th Infantry, that Second Lieutenant Neil N. Clothier, 01314884, was killed in action near Morville, on 16 November 1944. At the time of his death, which was instantaneous, Lieutenant Clothier was leading his platoon towards a German machine gun position. He was caught on the fire of these machine guns through the chest, one of the bullets penetrating his heart. He was buried with military honors in the United States Military Cemetery, Limey, France, Grave No. 151, Row 7, Plot L. The personnel officer states that the effects will be searched for and forwarded through channels. I deeply regret having to write you such a sad letter. I know that nothing I can do can assuage your grief except to point out to you that since all of us must die, there is comfort in the fact that your husband died gloriously doing his duty as a man and a soldier.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In very good to fine condition, with a mailing fold directly under signature, scattered creasing and wrinkling (heaviest along right edge), and some light handling wear. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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