Patton's Tactician: The War Diary of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes

Operation Husky was led by Major General George S. Patton Jr. and Major General Geoffrey Keyes to establish an Allied foothold in Sicily. Patton's Tactician: The War Diary of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes is the first transcribed edition of Keyes's personal diary, offering a glimpse into his experiences in the World War II Mediterranean theater and the early days of the Cold War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 486 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

Nineteen months after the Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor and compelled the United States to enter World War II, boats carrying the 7th US Army landed on the shores of southern Sicily. Dubbed Operation Husky, the campaign to establish an Allied foothold in Sicily was led by two of the most noted American tacticians of the twentieth century: Major General George S. Patton Jr. and Major General Geoffrey Keyes. While Patton is the renowned subject of numerous books and films, Keyes's life and achievements have gone unrecognized, but his anonymity is by no means an accurate reflection of the value of his contributions and dedicated service in World War II and the Cold War.

Patton's Tactician: The War Diary of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes is the first transcribed edition of Keyes's personal diary to be published. Edited by James W. Holsinger Jr., the diary begins in October 1942, prior to the invasion of French Morocco and Keyes's engagement in World War II and the Cold War. Holsinger has integrated a variety of related sources, including correspondence between Keyes, Patton, and Eisenhower. A day-to-day chronicle of Keyes's experiences in the World War II Mediterranean theater and the early days of the Cold War in occupied Germany and Austria, Patton's Tactician is an invaluable primary source that offers readers a glimpse into the mind of one of America's most distinguished World War II corps commanders.

The invasion of Sicily, code-named Operation Husky, was a significant turning point in World War II. It marked the first time that Allied forces launched a major offensive in Europe and the first time that Patton led a large-scale military operation. The campaign was characterized by fierce fighting and innovative tactics, and it ultimately led to the liberation of Italy and the beginning of the Allied push into Germany.

One of the key figures in the invasion of Sicily was Major General George S. Patton Jr., who was known for his bold and aggressive leadership style. Patton was a master of logistics and a skilled strategist, and he was known for his ability to inspire his troops to achieve great things. He was also known for his controversial remarks and his tendency to push his troops to the limit, which sometimes led to casualties.

Another key figure in the invasion of Sicily was Major General Geoffrey Keyes, who served as Patton's deputy commander. Keyes was a seasoned military officer who had served in World War I and had a reputation for being a calm and analytical leader. He was known for his ability to work well with Patton and to provide him with valuable advice and support.

Despite their differences, Patton and Keyes were able to work together effectively to lead the invasion of Sicily. Patton's bold and aggressive leadership style provided the necessary momentum for the campaign, while Keyes's calm and analytical approach helped to ensure that the operation was executed smoothly. The two men also had a strong mutual respect for each other, which helped to strengthen their working relationship.

One of the most significant achievements of the invasion of Sicily was the establishment of an Allied foothold in Europe. This foothold provided the Allies with a base of operations from which they could launch their offensive against Germany and eventually win the war. The invasion of Sicily also had a significant impact on the course of the Cold War, as it demonstrated the strength and resilience of the Allied forces and helped to undermine the confidence of the Soviet Union.

In conclusion, the invasion of Sicily was a significant turning point in World War II and was led by two of the most notable American tacticians of the twentieth century: Major General George S. Patton Jr. and Major General Geoffrey Keyes. Patton's bold and aggressive leadership style provided the necessary momentum for the campaign, while Keyes's calm and analytical approach helped to ensure that the operation was executed smoothly. The two men also had a strong mutual respect for each other, which helped to strengthen their working relationship. The establishment of an Allied foothold in Europe and the impact on the course of the Cold War were two of the most significant achievements of the invasion of Sicily.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813198712