"Patton's Own" makes history during World War II

11.05.2008

Story by Sgt. Brooks Fletcher 

20th Public Affairs Detachment

By Brooks Fletcher
20th Public Affairs Detachment

In August 1932, The U.S Army reorganized its armies. This reorganization reactivated Third Army after a 13-year hiatus following World War I, controlling formations throughout the U.S.

Third Army carried out its mission for the next decade, training the large influx of Soldiers brought in from the draft, unknowingly preparing themselves for what would be one of the greatest conflicts in history.

Under the leadership of Lt. Gen Walter Krueger, a combat formation was established, which was the catalyst for the unit's future success.

Krueger was succeeded by Lt. Gen. Courtney Hodges, who led Third Army for the rest of 1943.

Hodge's tenure was brief, as he was replaced by Lt. Gen. George Patton, in December 1943.

Four years after World War II began and under the command of Patton, the Third Army, an "Army of Occupation," would step up to bat once again, providing support overseas.

Patton and his newly reformed, combat-ready Third Army were mobilized to the United Kingdom to take part in Operation Overload, the Allied force's invasion of Northwest Europe. These forces included four major powers: the U.S., British Empire, Soviet Union and China.

On June 6, 1944, commonly known as D-Day, Allied forces landed more than 160,000 troops along the beaches on the coast of Normandy. More than three million troops landed by the end of August.

After a two-month assault on Normandy, territory was established in France, where Third Army would begin its onslaught through Europe.

Following the success of Lt. Gen. Omar Bradley and his First Army, Patton and his Third Army stormed through Normandy and began advancing across France.

In a last chance effort, the Germans launched their last offensive of the war creating a stronghold against "Patton's Own" ... the Battle of the Bulge.

During this battle, noted as one of the great moves during World War II, Patton's order to redirect Third Army's full-scale attack from the east and turn Third Army's advance to the south of the Germans, provided vital aid to the Soldiers of 101st Airborne Division, who single handedly held a stronghold at Bastogne, Belgium, which was a main supply route in the war.

Germany's offensive plan to split the Allied force's line in half, ultimately destroying the four Allied armies, forcing the Western Allies to negotiate a "new" peace treaty in the Axis forces' favor, was foiled by the maneuver.

There was one last obstacle between Third Army and the stronghold in the heart of Germany. But unlike 1918's crossing of the Coblenz, the crossing of the Rhine was met with hostile forces. But with their defeat during the Battle of the Bulge, Germany was incapable of holding off Third Army's assault.

Upon winning the bridgehead, Third Army made another eastward advance, reaching Czechoslovakia and Austria, where on May 9, 1945 the war would come to an end, now known as V.E. Day, or Victory In Europe Day.

Occupation summoned again, as the Third Army started to rebuild Germany. It remained in Germany until recalled to the U.S. again in 1947.

Once back in the U.S, Third Army's duties were similar to those of the 1930s, acting as a command and training force for units. Following participation in the Korean War, Third Army was deactivated in 1974.

It has been more than six decades since World War II has come to an end.

Although Third Army has been through numerous changes, its present mission and operations bring the historical unit to the Middle East, the spirit of the World War II-famed Patton's Own still remains alive and well.

• Date Taken: 11.05.2008
• Date Posted: 11.06.2008 00:46
• Story ID: 25974