On Wednesday, Sept. 21, American Legion Post 88 of Cazenovia will host a presentation on military history that may be of interest to veterans and members of the Greater Cazenovia community.
The presentation is entitled “Old Blood and Guts,” and will be a discussion of General George S. Patton, Jr who lived from 1885 to 1945 and served in the military from 1909 to 1945. The session will be presented by Frank T. Stritter, a life member of Post 88 and a Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The session is open to the public, free and scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. in the Cazenovia Public Library community room. All are welcome.
General George S. Patton, Jr. served in the US Army from the time he entered West Point until his death in 1945. He was nicknamed “Old Blood and Guts,” by his troops he was “our blood and his guts.” Patton’s colorful personality, hard-driving leadership style and success as a battlefield commander, combined with his frequent political missteps, combined for a mixed and often controversial character.
Patton’s great oratory skill was integral to his ability to inspire troops under his command. He was arrogant, publicity-seeking and personally flawed, but was among the greatest battlefield generals the U.S. has ever produced. His drive of 3rd Amy through Europe in World War II from 1944 through 1945 was one of the most significant campaigns of the War. Patton’s impact on armored warfare and leadership was substantial, with the U.S. Army adopting many of his aggressive strategies in its training programs and policies.
Even his death from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in 1945 was controversial. Some conspiracy theorists believe that he was assassinated. Whatever you think about Patton, he very definitely left his mark on the military and in military history.
