The Life and Death of George Smith Patton Jr. Series

General George Smith Patton of World War II fame often spoke with pride of the military deeds of his forefathers. From an early age, he had been regaled with the exploits of his relatives from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. These stories of courage and great deeds of his heroic ancestors and their mighty battles, greatly influenced the man who would lead American troops in World War I and World War II. Much has been written about the exploits of General George Smith Patton. It is not widely known, however, that George Smith Patton IV was every bit the soldier that his father was. He saw more actual frontline combat and was just as highly decorated by his country for valor. The son matched in two wars the two Distinguished Service Crosses and two Silver Stars awarded to his father in two wars. This book delves into the lives of the four men who shared the name -- George Smith Patton -- in times of peace and war.

The story of the 14th Cavalry Group ranks as one of the true epics of American military history. During the first two days of the Battle of the Bulge, a small band of cold and confused U.S. cavalrymen (including Bill Null) held the better part of two enemy divisions at bay. During one of the worst winters in Europe, they literally battled the fog and friction of war. On the third day of the battle, Task Force Mayes of the 14th Cavalry Group clashed with Kampfgruppe Hansen in Poteau. The Germans were attempting to out flank the Cavalry Group and attack the town from the wooded area. Several of the cavalry vehicles were deliberately set on fire by advancing Germans for the benefit of an SS photo unit. The very famous widely published photos of advancing Germans past wrecked and abandoned vehicles were shot by the same photo unit. Survivors of the 14th Cavalry Group relate tales reflecting their own selfless devotion to duty and bravery. More than seventy-five years after the event, the collective memory of these brave Americans presents a compelling story of individual courage and endurance. It is a fascinating and illuminating tale worthy of telling. Their valor has for too long gone unnoticed. By any measure, these U.S. cavalrymen are a heroic group. This book is written by the son-in-law of William (Bill) Null who served in the 18th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 14th Cavalry Group during the Battle of the Bulge.

When an enemy bullet tore through George S. Patton's body during WWI, PFC Angelo carried his commander to a shallow crater, bandaged his wound, and fought off the enemy for several hours. This heroic action saved Patton's life and earned the brave soldier a Distinguished Service Cross. Twenty-seven years later, T/5 Thompson went for a joyride in an Army truck and slammed into Patton's car driven by PFC Woodring. This careless accident that caused Patton's death occurred just one day before the four-star general's scheduled return to the United States for his retirement.

Patton is an in-depth screen portrait of the most controversial and successful commander of World War II. It is more than a war film. Rather, it is a strongly etched character study of a military maverick -- a man who refused to run with the herd. Filmed by 20th Century-Fox in Dimension-150 at a reported cost of $14-million, Patton is not only superior screen entertainment but is also an exceptionally well-made picture. This is due primarily to the talented people producer Frank McCarthy brought together for the production. For example, there is an unforgettable performance by George C. Scott as Patton; powerful and incisive direction by Franklin J. Schaffner; a non-angled, definitive screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North; an inspiring music score by Jerry Goldsmith that makes use of an old Army fife and drum tune as the leitmotif; and superb photographic imagery by director of photography Fred J. Koenekamp. This book was written by the former Administrative Assistant to Brigadier General George S. Patton (son of General Patton of WWII fame) while assigned to the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

General George S. Patton and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel never met on the battlefields of World War II. If they did, it certainly would have been a struggle of life and death, a terrifying duel. Their similar tactics, undisputable courage, bravery, cool head, offensive spirits which turn to wild attacks of same degree, complete knowledge of all aspects of modern war and of its techniques earned them very important positions in world war literature. Through bold and tenacious actions, these two exceptional commanders (one American, one German) earned each other's respect despite being on opposing sides of the conflict. The mutual respect shown by General Patton and Field Marshal Rommel during World War II set the stage for the friendship that developed between their sons (Major General George S. Patton IV and Stuttgart Mayor Manfred Rommel) during the Cold War.

Beginning in the Middle Ages, the 'Lance of Longinus' -- along with other artifacts of the Crucifixion of Christ -- became the subject of legend, usually noted as a receptacle of mystical power. This 'Spear of Destiny' is so revered for its power in a battle that it remained a sought after weapon by emperors, kings, and generals up until modern times. There are several spears that claim to be the true 'Holy Lance'. They are: (1) the Antiochian Lance; (2) the Armenian Lance; (3) the Vatican Lance; (4) the Polish Lance; and (5) the Vienna Lance. This book digs into the stories behind each of the five spears in order to uncover the true 'Holy Lance'.