Patton's War

‘’This is the climax to a brilliant trilogy– the definitive life of arguably America’s most colorful, quintessential warlord. A fantastic labor of love. I learned something new on every page.”—Alex Kershaw, author of Patton's Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory in World War II

“Monumental . . . With the concluding volume of Patton’s War, Kevin Hymel vaults himself to the top tier of the biographers of America’s most enigmatic commander, a position previously occupied only by Martin Blumenson and Carlo D’Este. Despite the loss of Patton’s original war diary from the time Third Army crossed the Rhine River on March 22, 1945, Hymel has produced the most comprehensive and most balanced assessment of the general whom General Dwight D. Eisenhower ranked as his most audacious and courageous Army commander. Patton’s War is a tour de force of military biography and narrative history.”—Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, USA-Ret., author of the New York Times bestseller Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters and Conversations with Major Dick Winters: Life Lessons from the Commander of the Band of Brothers

“With volume 3 of Patton’s War, Kevin Hymel has set the seal on the definitive military biography of this larger-than-life commander. Those who’ve been along for the ride in volumes 1 and 2 already know what to expect: meticulous documentation, especially Patton’s diaries; a laser focus on the General himself; and writing so vivid that it demands binge-reading. Patton has never come into sharper focus, a volatile mixture of aggression, temper, and non-stop profanity. It is hard to imagine Hymel’s work ever being superseded.” —Rob Citino, Distinguished Fellow at The National WWII Museum and author of The Wehrmacht’s Last Stand: Then German Campaigns of 1944-1945

“This is a superb addition to Kevin Hymel’s trilogy on Patton. It is deeply researched; I have seldom been at the US National Archives without bumping into Kevin diligently digging through the Army historical files. This third volume covers Patton’s most impressive but lesser-known victories in 1945. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in the US Army in World War II!”—Steven Zaloga, author of Patton versus the Panzers: The Battle of Arracourt 1944 

“An excellent and focused look at Patton's last year addressing both his successes and failures. The tactical analysis of 3rd Army operations is first rate while explaining both German and Allied responses. Providing numerous perspectives on the man from foes, colleagues, and historians, this is a worthy and welcome addition to the scholarship on this prominent figure. Hymel discusses not only the facts surrounding the Patton mystique, but the many myths, most of which he debunks. Detailed and insightful, any student of the war or the man will want this on their bookshelf.”—John M. Curatola, Lt Col USMC (Ret), Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian, National World War II Museum, author of Armies Afloat: How the Development of Amphibious Operations in Europe Helped Win World War II

“Hymel creates a vivid portrait of Patton in his last year of war and life, drawing on fascinating details of his warfighting and private thoughts. Patton crushed the Bulge, conquered the Palatinate (to him, his greatest operation), and beat Montgomery across the Rhine. Yet he dreaded the end of the war, and his insubordination, antisemitism, and lust to fight the USSR led to disgrace. Hymel establishes himself as the preeminent Patton historian in America.”—Harry Yeide, author of Fighting Patton: George S. Patton Jr. Through the Eyes of His Enemies