George S. Patton

:Please see "Patton" for other definitions

The interwar years

While on duty in Washington, D.C. in 1919, Patton met and became close friends with Dwight D. Eisenhower, who would play an enormous role in Patton's future career. In the early 1920s, Patton petitioned the U.S. Congress to appropriate funding for an armored force, but had little luck doing so. Patton also wrote professional articles on tank and armored car tactics, suggesting new methods to use these weapons. He also continued working on improvements to tanks, coming up with innovations in radio communication and tank mounts. However, with little money in the peacetime military for innovation, Patton eventually transferred back to the cavalry—still a horse-borne force—for career advancement.

Related Topics:
Washington, D.C. - 1919 - Dwight D. Eisenhower - 1920s - U.S. Congress - Cavalry

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In July 1932, Patton served under Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur as a major leading the cavalry against the Bonus Army.

Related Topics:
Army Chief of Staff - Douglas MacArthur - Major - Bonus Army

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Patton served in Hawaii before returning to Washington to once again ask Congress to allocate funding for armored units. In the late 1930s, Patton was assigned command of Fort Myer, Virginia. Shortly after Germany's blitzkrieg attacks in Europe, Patton was finally able to convince Congress of the need for armored divisions. Shortly after its approval, Patton was promoted to Brigadier General and put in command of the armored brigade. The brigade eventually grew into the US 2nd Armored Division and Patton was promoted to Major General.

Related Topics:
Hawaii - Washington - 1930s - Fort Myer - Virginia - Germany - Blitzkrieg - Brigadier General - Brigade - US 2nd Armored Division - Major General

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