George S. Patton

Americans have an odd outlook on heroes now days. We think, as Americans, that a hero must be rich or famous. But the truth is that there is a hero in all of us. The people that are true heroes are those who decide to embrace that trait. One such person is General George S. Patton. He used his heroic qualities to help the military during WWII. Combined with courage, leadership, and persistence, he helped change the course of WWII and, therefore, the world - a feat that should only belong to a true hero.

General George Patton (Bing images)

George Smith Patton was born on November 11, 1885 in Pasadena, California. He was ‘one of the greatest combat generals of modern times, who during WWII, directed a fighting force comparable to that of Napoleon, Hannibal, and Robert E. Lee.’(DISCovering Biography, General George Patton). Growing up, General Patton was the son of one of the wealthiest families in the state of California. He was a dedicated and highly decorated American general. He later died in 1945 in Heidelberg, Germany, and was buried alongside his men that had fallen in battle.

General George S. Patton (Bing Images)

Despite many setbacks and obstacles, General Patton pursued what he believed was his destiny and was persistent in doing so. When General Patton was giving a speech to his troops before battle, he says: “ Know that my ambition is selfish, but is not a selfish ambition for instead of sparing me, it makes me exert myself. I will do my best to attain what I believe, perhaps wrongly, my destiny.” (Gale Encyclopedia of US History). This rousing speech proves his persistence and determination in leading his men to victory. He later led his men into what became known as one of the bloodiest days in history, D-Day.

Patton was a courageous and vocal leader who inspired people to do what is necessary to achieve a goal. After being asked why he decided to led his men on a suicidal mission in Normandy, he said “All of my life I had wanted to led an army in a desperate battle. I would have left the beaches as either a hero, or a conqueror.” (Uxl Biographies). When he tells this to the world on a press interview, he displays his courage and leadership qualities. Despite the fortifications in Normandy, he strategically placed his men in the correct places and did what it took to achieve his goal.

Patton sacrificed his honor and dignity to do what he believed was the right thing and inspired people to do what is right, and to stand up for that belief. Before Patton was a general, he was a foot soldier in the army. He was wounded during battle and after the fact, he said: “ I felt a great desire to run, but I became calm at once and said ‘It's time for another Patton to Die!’ and called for volunteers.” (Uxl Biographies). When Patton charged into the enemy despite being injured, this shows his honor and valor in battle which later played a major part in qualifying him to be a general. Patton used his ability to lead, his persistence, and his courage to inspire people to do and follow what they believe. Without heroes like General Patton, we would have nobody to look up to and be inspired by. We all have the heroic qualities of General Patton, but do we have the willpower it takes to incorporate that into our lives? That’s what truly makes a hero in the modern world.