PDF Summary:Patton's Prayer, by Alex Kershaw

From his courageous leadership style to his daring tactical maneuvers, Alex Kershaw offers a riveting portrayal of General George S. Patton Jr.'s pivotal role in World War II in Patton's Prayer. This account highlights Patton's unwavering determination in the battlefield, propensity for risk-taking, and willingness to challenge authority—the very traits that enabled his success yet fueled tensions with fellow commanders.

Kershaw details Patton's instrumental part in the Battle of the Bulge, where his swift redeployment of troops and strategic counterattacks were vital to defending Bastogne and halting the German offensive. His ability to inspire soldiers, coupled with his tactical foresight, underscored his indispensable leadership in the Allied victory.

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Kershaw highlights the significance of Patton's swift repositioning of his troops throughout the campaign. Upon recognizing the imminent threat in the Ardennes, Patton directed his team to make arrangements for the Third Army to cease its eastward advance and instead focus its resources on moving towards Luxembourg. Many commanders of the Allied forces were unprepared for the German offensives that followed, marking a departure from the enemy's typical strategies.

The narrative of the book includes the famous prayer commonly attributed to Patton. As the conditions worsened, hindering his troops' advancement, Patton requested his chaplain to create a prayer for improved weather. He was determined to distribute one of the quarter-million copies produced to each individual he led, showcasing his distinctive blend of pragmatism and faith. As the Allies readied themselves for a substantial retaliatory strike from the air, a shift in meteorological conditions occurred, which Patton whimsically attributed to the power of his earnest supplications.

Patton's swift and strategic actions played a crucial role in successfully safeguarding Bastogne, where his forces clashed violently with German adversaries.

Kershaw emphasizes Patton's relentless pursuit of speed. He underscores the urgency for the 4th Armored Division to proceed with maximum haste. When his subordinates questioned the practicality of his rapid timelines, he notably retorted, "Had I considered the limitations of duration and distance, we'd still be at the banks of the French river."

The author depicts his unwavering determination to advance swiftly toward Bastogne. Patton's steadfast dedication drove his soldiers to the brink, as he ordered nocturnal assaults despite the logistical complexities and the potential for fatigue. The 8th Tank Battalion was commanded to push forward to Bastogne, where they endured significant casualties in the chaotic night battle at Chaumont. However, his steadfast resolve was apparent as he joined his forces amidst the harsh winter storms, personifying the Third Army's endurance and cementing his status as a commander deeply empathetic to the hardships faced by his troops.

General Patton's ability to inspire his troops amidst the turmoil in Bastogne, coupled with his willingness to bypass superior orders when he believed it crucial for victory, was highlighted.

Kershaw underscores how Patton's energetic command was crucial in inspiring his troops. Patton frequently made his way to the front lines in an open jeep, brandishing his iconic pistols with ivory handles, both to motivate his soldiers and to assess the situation on the ground.

The author portrays the renowned leader's confident proclamations, highlighting his claim of having von Rundstedt at a disadvantage and commanding the circumstances, as crucial in boosting his soldiers' morale, who started to regard him as a symbol of indestructibility and a harbinger of assured victory. Patton's willingness to engage in confrontations with superiors, as demonstrated by his discussions regarding the timing and method of initiating the counteroffensive, further solidified his status as a determined commander who always put the welfare of his troops first.

Other Perspectives

• While Patton was indeed a key figure in the defense of Bastogne, it's important to acknowledge the collective efforts of all Allied forces, including the contributions of other commanders and the resilience of the troops who fought on the ground.
• The success in Bastogne was not solely due to Patton's Third Army; the 101st Airborne Division and other units played a significant and direct role in the defense of the town before Patton's forces arrived.
• Patton's rapid deployment was a significant factor, but the overall success also depended on the strategic errors of the German forces and the logistical difficulties they faced.
• The effectiveness of Patton's strategic foresight can be debated, as some historians argue that the Allied intelligence had indications of a potential German offensive in the Ardennes, which would have informed Patton's preparations.
• The significance of Patton's plea for good weather is often seen as anecdotal and should not overshadow the more tangible factors such as the strategic air support that was crucial once the weather cleared.
• Patton's rapid and strategic actions were indeed crucial, but they must be viewed in the broader context of the entire Allied counteroffensive, which involved complex coordination beyond Patton's direct command.
• Patton's ability to inspire his troops is well-documented, but his tendency to bypass superior orders could have had negative consequences in different circumstances and is not universally regarded as a positive command trait.

The dynamic tension with fellow commanders from the coalition of Allied nations.

In the book, Kershaw explores the complex relationships that Patton shared with key Allied figures, including Eisenhower and Montgomery. He argues that the fundamental contrasts in military strategy, intensified by Patton's candid nature and his rivalry with Montgomery, constituted the primary source of these strains.

Patton frequently clashed with fellow Allied leaders, particularly Montgomery and Eisenhower, regarding the allocation of resources and strategic decision-making.

Kershaw recognizes that such strains were ultimately beneficial, spurring Patton to redouble his efforts. He reveals Patton's discomfort with Eisenhower's cautious strategies, but also recognizes the substantial contributions Eisenhower provided. Eisenhower recognized the considerable influence exerted by the general, whose prowess in offensive tactics was undeniable, despite the fact that his straightforward approach and emphatic declarations occasionally led to friction.

Patton's outspoken criticism stemmed from his conviction that leaders such as Montgomery exhibited excessive caution in their strategic approaches.

In his work, Kershaw highlights Patton's profound distaste for Montgomery's approach to military tactics. He viewed the meticulousness and cautious approach of Montgomery as elements that slowed down their progress. He felt that a quick, decisive strike was always preferable to a slow, planned advance. General Patton's viewpoints, often influenced by a mix of competition and unique tactical approaches, became apparent. During the Verdun crisis discussion, Patton confidently asserted his ability to launch a retaliatory strike in less than two days, while he scornfully commented on the tactics of the northern commanders by stating, "Such methods are not characteristic of those officers; it's not in their nature to engage in that manner." He was resolute in his conviction that the responsibility for their continued existence rested solely on American shoulders.

The author further emphasizes this friction. The idea of diverting his troops to aid Montgomery's northern operations infuriated Patton, who stated he would rather step down from his position than witness his army's reduction for the mere enhancement of Montgomery's standing. Patton held the conviction that Montgomery received preferential treatment in the distribution of supplies and resources, and he also viewed Montgomery's tactical strategies as often defective, leading to persistent private tension.

Eisenhower had the responsibility of moderating General Patton's audacious inclinations to guarantee unity and coordinated actions among the Allied forces.

Kershaw suggests that Eisenhower recognized the tension stemming from Patton's personality and his tendency to act independently during combat engagements. Interacting with Patton necessitated a high degree of prudence. Patton conveyed his irritation to Eisenhower, stating that his advance was hindered and made more complex due to the necessity of moving his forces northward in aid of the VIII Corps, an action that disrupted his intended offensive by draining his resources. Eisenhower maintained his concern and determination, prioritizing the wider Allied objectives over Patton's individual ambitions.

The writer highlights the difficulties of overseeing someone with Patton's impetuous and authoritative nature. Eisenhower valued Patton's forceful strategies and unwavering quest for victory, but he was acutely aware of the potential for conflict and chaos stemming from Patton's occasionally impulsive actions and statements. He exhibited a nuanced understanding of leadership, skillfully exercising control over his unconventional general both behind closed doors and in full view of the public.

Recognizing Patton's superior leadership abilities, his superiors furnished him with the essential resources for success.

Eisenhower acknowledged Patton's importance in leading military operations, despite their often differing approaches to strategy, as noted by Kershaw. While other commanders exercised caution, Patton displayed remarkable boldness. Initially skeptical of Patton's assertion that he could reorient his Third Army within a mere forty-eight hours to launch a counteroffensive against the Germans in the Ardennes, Eisenhower ultimately recognized the extraordinary strategic feat Patton achieved during World War II.

The book illustrates how, even though his superiors were frequently annoyed by his personality and tendency to ignore orders, they acknowledged his outstanding strategic insight and his unique ability to inspire and rally the troops he led. They recognized his vital role in their European victories, granting him significant latitude to pursue his goals.

Other Perspectives

• While Patton's clashes with Montgomery and Eisenhower are well-documented, it's important to consider that these disagreements could also reflect the broader strategic debates within the Allied command, where diverse perspectives were necessary for a robust decision-making process.
• Montgomery's cautious approach to military tactics was not necessarily a flaw but could be seen as a strategic choice aimed at minimizing casualties and ensuring a solid and sustainable advance.
• The need for Eisenhower to moderate Patton's actions suggests a complex leadership challenge, but it could also be viewed as a strength of the coalition, where checks and balances were in place to prevent unilateral and potentially reckless decisions.
• Although Patton was provided with resources due to his leadership abilities, it's worth noting that other commanders also received support based on their strategic importance and the needs of their respective operations, which may not have always been as visible or celebrated as Patton's.