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 of North Africa, Sicily, and the European Theater of Operations. Many have viewed Patton as a pure and ferocious warrior, known by his nickname “Old Blood and Guts,” a name given to him after a reporter misquoted his statement that it takes blood and brains to win a war. ALS signed “George S. Patton, Jr.,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8, personal letterhead, February 22, 1916. Letter written to his mother while stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, as a member of the 13th Cavalry under General Pershing. In part, “We had a regimental dinner last night and a lot of people got drunk still it was a nice affair. We had a…polo game today and B drove the machine around a little, she did fairly well. The house is all fixed up now…this certainly is a stupid place and there is nothing to do. I have been playing tennis a little lately but am very much out of practice. I left a lot of house pictures around the house if you can find them send them to me. Also a book bound in blue with two books inside are Manuel of Equitation French Army and at the back of it a yellow pamphlet…There are two copies if you can find one please mail it to me. I think they are both in the box with my military books.” Patton also adds a brief postcript, signing “G., S. P.” ”B” refers to Patton’s wife Beatrice. Only a few weeks later, Patton rode with Pershing during the United States Punitive Expedition to Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa. It was during that expedition that Patton first rose to national prominence by killing General Julio Cardenas, commander of Villa’s personal bodyguard. The campaign was famous as it marked the first time that motor vehicles (Dodge touring car) were ever used in actual combat by the U. S. Army. When referring to his wife driving a “machine” Patton may be referring to one of those cars. In fine condition, with a central horizontal mailing fold, several creases and bends and pencil computations along the top of the first page. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
