Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor
It was the end of an unusual and often-times controversial life. Though he saw action in the pursuit of Pancho Villa in Mexico and again in World War I, Patton is best remembered for his exploits in World War II.
His life and legacy are commemorated at the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor at Fort Knox, Ky. Dedicated in 1949, the museum houses a variety of memorabilia and is really three museums in one.
It was established to preserve historical materials relating to the bullion depository at Fort Knox, the armor branch of the military and General Patton.
Like the world around us, the collection changes and expands. When the Berlin Wall fell, the museum obtained one of the largest sections to come to the United States. Multi-colored graffiti provides a marked contrast to the harsh, cold stone. Ironically, this once impenetrable wall is now in bits, scattered around the globe, the object of curiosity.
Armored tanks of all ages and types are a main feature of the museum.
Armor development is traced from the beginning of mechanization to the present day, with tanks on display both outside and inside the museum.
One of the largest tanks exhibited is the British Mark V Star Tank, one of the first tank/infantry transport vehicles of World War I. Incredibly, it was designed to carry 18 soldiers, in addition to a crew of eight. No small tank! A more recent acquisition is the M-3 Stuart Tank, which was one of the first tanks used by armored troops in the Philippines during World War II.
As a fitting memento of the James Bond movie, Goldfinger, the museum has an exact miniature scale model of the bullion depository. It was used in the filming of the movie and later presented to the director of the mint by the producers. The director of the mint, in turn, presented it to the museum. The model is painstakingly reproduced to the smallest detail.
Of course, the stacks of gold bars cannot be seen by visitors (the doors are rarely opened), but there is a fine view of the depository building from U.S. 31-West (Dixie Highway) between Fort Knox and Radcliff.
The museum namesake, George S. Patton, Jr., was born in California in 1885. From his earliest years, he believed himself destined to be a soldier. Much of his life was spent in the limelight. As a young cavalry officer and well-rounded athlete, he competed in five events during the 1912 Olympic games held in Stockholm, Sweden. He placed fifth in the pentathlon.
Patton served as an aide to General John. J. Pershing during the pursuit of Pancho Villa in Mexico in 1916. Later, he saw action in World War I, commanding a tank brigade. During that time, Patton nearly died from machine gun fire.
Patton received the most attention during World War II. Old Blood and Guts was labeled one of the “most colorful” American generals of the war for his dramatic manner, willful behavior and outspoken comments. Though his actions brought both applause and criticism, Patton was unquestionably a man to stand tall for his beliefs.
In December of 1945, Patton died of injuries from a car accident and was buried at the Third Army Cemetery in Luxembourg.
The section of the museum called the Patton Gallery contains various personal items used by the general throughout his life. Especially poignant is a carved statue of Patton in true-to-life proportions. The dimensions match those taken from a physical exam of Patton in 1944. Carved from a 3-by-7-foot block of solid basswood, the statue, like the general, manages to capture and hold your attention.
Small glass cases contain his fencing epee from the 1912 Olympiad, his West Point football uniform and class ring, his swagger stick and his famous ivory-handled pistols. As a testament to his world-wide impact during 35 years of military service, Patton received numerous decorations and medals from Luxembourg, Belgium, Morocco, France, Great Britain and the Soviet Union, which are now on display.
George S. Patton Jr. is not the only member of his family represented at the museum. During the Civil War, another George Patton, grandfather to Old Blood and Guts, rode in the cavalry. He died in his saddle during the second battle of Winchester in 1864. His orderly had the presence of mind to bring Patton’s horse, saddle and saber back though the lines. Both the saddle and saber rest for posterity at the Patton Museum.
Patton once wrote in his diary, “Duty is but discipline carried to its highest degree.” Whatever you believe about Patton, there is no doubt he was a dedicated soldier. One captured German officer said Patton was the “most feared general on all fronts.”
From his unwavering belief in reincarnation to his extraordinary ability in military command, George S. Patton Jr., was an uncommon individual. Beneath his rough exterior, Patton was also considered both a compassionate and highly intelligent man. Fifty years after his death, Patton still commands our attention.
