11 Rare Photos of George Patton Like You've Never Seen Him Before

General George Patton is remembered as one of America's most cherished military icons, with his popularity rivaled only by his achievements on the battlefield. Celebrated as one of the most resolute leaders of World War II, he started his education at the esteemed US Military Academy West Point , where he demonstrated great promise. This early potential carried through into his professional life.

Here are some rare photographs of Patton, accompanied by interesting details about his life!

An Olympic athlete?!

While he might be known for his military prowess, George Patton was also once an Olympian . In 1912, he was selected to vie for the gold in the modern pentathlon and took fifth place at the Summer Games in Sweden. He was also selected for the 1916 team, but the outbreak of World War I cancelled that year's Olympics.

Pancho Villa Expedition

The would-be legendary general first saw action during the Pancho Villa Expedition in 1916. He served as a personal aide to John J. Pershing , who'd later assume command over the American forces in Europe during the First World War. It was the pair's time in Mexico that enabled George Patton to remain Pershing's aide in Europe.

Becoming the go-to man for all things tank warfare

During World War I, George Patton helped establish the Light Tank School in France for the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). From then on, he emerged as a pioneering strategist in armored combat.

George Patton received the Purple Heart

George Patton took part in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive while serving in the First World War. Charged with leading an attack on German machine gun positions, he was injured when a bullet ripped through his left thigh . While forced to remain in a shell hole, he continued to command his men, and when the Purple Heart was reinstated in 1932, he was given the decoration.

US entry into World War II

America's participation in the Second World War led to an unparalleled dependence on tanks and other armored vehicles, making George Patton's expertise vitally important. He played a key role in founding the US Army's first armored divisions and managed to rise through the ranks to become the commanding general of the 2nd Armored Division by 1941.

George Patton gained ground in North Africa and Sicily

George Patton quickly gained ground in North Africa ; he was making a name for himself not only among his own troops, but with the enemy, as well. In fact, after great success with Operation Husky , the German High Command considered him a key figure in the subsequent invasion of Europe.

Operation Fortitude and George Patton's fake military force

The Allies used the Germans' perception of George Patton to their advantage, putting together a web of fake tanks, weaponry and misinformation as part of Operation Fortitude . The enemy was fed false information that this huge troop movement, commanded by none other than Patton himself, was the invasion force.

Allied landings at Normandy

Due to the Allies' subterfuge, the German 15th Army remained locked at Pas-de-Calais, instead of Normandy, even after the initial Allied landings occurred on the morning of June 6, 1944.

Siege of Bastogne

Once unleashed, George Patton's tanks and troops were decisively victorious in relieving the American troops besieged at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge . He personally considered this accomplishment the peak of his military career.

George Patton perishes in a car crash

George Patton would see the end of Second World War in Germany, but soon after was involved in a car accident that led to his death on December 21, 1945. He'd been paralyzed in the crash and developed a blood clot , which made its way to his heart. The famed general wound up dying in his sleep.

Chilling words from George Patton

More from us: Why Do American Military Enthusiasts Put George Patton on a Pedestal?

It's interesting to note the diary entry George Patton made upon learning about Japan's capitulation, as it gives a chilling closure to his remarkable achievements in combat. "Yet another war has come to an end, and with it my usefulness to the world," it read.