We think of General George S. Patton Jr. as one of our greatest combat leaders in World War II. Certainly our “fightingest” General, and someone who must have been a constant threat to the enemy. Did the Germans fear this hard-charging tank commander and watch his every move? The answer may surprise you. There have been many books written about General Patton, but the author says “This is the book that hasn’t.” And one would have to agree with him, as Fighting Patton is more about German generals than it is about Patton. Author Harry Yeide has searched German archives for reports from the men who faced Patton on the battlefield to see how they fought him and what they thought of his leadership skills.
German generals such as Hasso von Manteuffel, Paul Hausser, Gerd von Rundstedt, and many more appear in this book. It’s interesting to note that all of Patton’s counterparts had much more combat and leadership experience than Patton did.