George Patton, a veteran of the Pershing expedition to Mexico in 1916 (where he killed three of Pancho Villas men, one a key subordinate, in a man to man gunfight), World War I (where he commanded the fledgling US Tank Brigade and was wounded and decorated for valor), and World War II, is one of the most misjudged and underrated combat commanders in American military history.

An expert tactician, strategist, and trainer, he was proud, profance, outspoken, a soldier’s soldier, led from the front, shared his men’s hardships, led was was undoubtedly the best American field army of the war, and was the only American general the Germans feared.

Carlo D’Este has written the definitive biography of this soldier and general, warts and all. He covers Patton’s life from muzzle to buttplate, pulls no punches, and provides a human picture of a man that has definitely risen to legend.

The descendant and father of soldiers, Patton led his troops and units in the old army way. An experienced combat officer, he had more experience than either Eisenhower or Bradley, and was a better general than both as well as Montgomery.

This book has presented more information on Patton the man than any other. It is well-written, and riveting-you can’t put it down. A moody, morose, devoted family man and dedicated soldier, Patton deserves more study, as do his campaigns. This book gets past the hype and delivers a solid punch as good, solid military history, and delivers the total picture of a man driven to be an aggressive, talented combat commander who knew his profession and contributed mightily to the final victory in World War II.