Message from George Patton to US 5th Infantry Division
Editor's Note: The following content is a transcription of a period document or a collection of period statistics. It may be incomplete, inaccurate, or biased. The reader may not wish to take the content as factual.
17 Nov 1945ww2dbase
Office of the Commanding General
A P O 408
17 November, 1945
To the Officers and Men of the Fifth Infantry Division:
Nothing I can say can add to the glory which you have achieved.
Throughout the whole advance across France you spearheaded the attack of your Corps. You crossed so many rivers that I am persuaded many of you have web feet and I know that all of you have dauntless spirit. To my mind history does not record incidents of greater valor than your assault crossings of the Sauer and the Rhine.
Concerning the former operation, I showed the scene of your glorious exploit to a civilian for whom I have the highest esteem. After looking at it for some time he said, "I did not believe there was enough courage in the world to achieve such a victory." Knowing the Fifth Infantry Division, I was sure you would achieve it and you did.
Now that peace has been re-established I am sure all of you will continue through the remainder of your lives to stand for those great qualities of America which in war you so magnificently demonstrated.
with affectionate regards and sincere congratulations, I am, as ever,
Your devoted commander,
[signed]
G. S. PATTON, JR.
General
Source(s):
Michael Bilder, A Foot Soldier for Patton
Added By:
C. Peter Chen
Did you enjoy this article or find this article helpful? If so, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 per month will go a long way! Thank you. Share this article with your friends: Stay updated with WW2DB: |
|
Visitor Submitted Comments
All visitor submitted comments are opinions of those making the submissions and do not reflect views of WW2DB.
Search WW2DB & Partner Sites
More on Message from George Patton to US 5th Infantry Division
Associated Figure(s):» George Patton
Associated Event(s):
» Crossing the Rhine
Random Photograph
Current Site Statistics
- » 1,105 biographies
- » 334 events
- » 38,973 timeline entries
- » 1,147 ships
- » 339 aircraft models
- » 192 vehicle models
- » 356 weapon models
- » 120 historical documents
- » 227 facilities
- » 464 book reviews
- » 27,688 photos
- » 360 maps
Famous WW2 Quote
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."Winston Churchill
Support Us
Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 a month will go a long way. Thank you!
Or, please support us by purchasing some WW2DB merchandise at TeeSpring, Thank you!
12 Aug 2020 08:23:18 PM
My father was a leutenant in the 5th division. He received silver and bronze star and 2 purple hearts. He is 99 years old. Still mentally sharp getting around on a walker.
Did not speak of the war for 40 years but opened up some since then.