World War I-dated ALS signed “George S. Patton, Jr.,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.5, July 3, 1917. Handwritten letter to his "Mama," sent while deployed in England during World War I. In part: "It is funny to see us getting more and more English, we wear their belt and several officers have taken to using the light colored English breeches. I have a pair myself. There's going to be a big parade in the morning in honor of Lagayette and the fourth combined. A battalion of the 16th inft. and Col. Allvin are to be the chief attraction. Our men look fine compated to the other troops they are so much bigger…Well so far we are just as safe as if we were at El Paso and a lot more comfortable. I and two other young chaps have an apartment…Paris is just as usual and very interesting, the theatres are running and we can hardly realize there is a war except that now and then one sees a man with a leg or so missing." In fine condition.
In 1917, George S. Patton was promoted to captain and joined General Pershing’s advance party to Europe, arriving in Liverpool, England, on June 8th. He initially served as Pershing’s aide and oversaw troop training in Paris until September. Unhappy with a desk role, Patton became interested in tanks. Encouraged by Colonel Fox Conner, he shifted focus from infantry to armor. Assigned to create the AEF Light Tank School in November, Patton trained with French tanks and studied British tank operations at Cambrai. He was promoted to major in January 1918 and later to lieutenant colonel in April. At Bourg, he received the first U.S. tanks and trained crews, advocating for tank use in infantry support.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
