Patton in Mexico: Lieutenant George S. Patton, the Hunt for Pancho Villa, and the Making of a General

Lieutenant George S. Patton's service on the southern border during the Mexican Expedition of 1916 was crucial for his development as a bold and daring commander during World War II. Patton's experiences in Mexico,as an aide to General John Pershing,helped him learn leadership and logistics that would later serve him well in his career. Lanning's book focuses on Patton's time in Mexico and his early career, highlighting his exploits and promoting him to the press.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: Stackpole Books

Had Lieutenant George S. Patton not served on the southern border during the Mexican Expedition of 1916, there might never have been a General George S. Patton who took the world by storm as a bold and daring commander during World War II.

Relying on Pattons detailed personal journals of his eight months in Mexico, Michael Lee Lanning describes the young officers exploits during the hunt for Pancho Villa. As an aide to General John Pershing, Patton learned leadership and logistics from the man who would soon command American forces in World War I. Begging for a field command, he received it and led the first motorized attack in U.S. military history, and may or may not have killed two of Villa's lieutenants. The press ate it up, and Patton learned not only how much he loved attention but also how to promote himself.

In Mexico are the roots of Patton the World War II general, and Lanning tells the story deftly, focusing on Patton the man as well as Patton the commander, and always casting an eye forward to Pattons future career. This is how Patton became Patton.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 231 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811770729