TLS signed “G. S. Patton, Jr,” one page, 6 x 7, personal Major George S. Patton, Jr., letterhead, May 5, 1922. Letter to General Smith. In full: “I have just read in the paper that you have gotten the grade I have so long been hoping you would get. Please accept my heartiest congratulations. I shall always remember with pleasure my service in your command in France. You were the finest K.O. I or any other man ever had. I know lots of people who will be just as pleased at your promotion as I am, I rather guess Mrs. Smith will be one of them. I hope in the next war—may it be soon—I shall again be under you. In that event you can at least rely on my making my outfit salute even if I can’t make them fight much.” In fine condition, with a lightly unevenly trimmed left edge.
Patton served in the newly established United States Tank Corps during World War I, achieving victory at Cambrai, France, in 1917 during the world's first major tank battle. He later organized the American tank school in Bourg, France and trained the first 500 American tankers. Being wounded in battle did little to extinguish Patton’s fire to fight, as witnessed by his unsettling desire here that the “next war...be soon.” His strange wish came true with World War II, where men under his command certainly did much more than salute. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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