Killing Patton

Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's "Killing Patton" examines the final months of General George S. Patton Jr.'s life and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death in December 1945. The book fits within the authors' popular "Killing" series, which brings historical figures and events to a broad audience through accessible narrative storytelling. This particular installment focuses not only on Patton's demise but also on the closing chapters of World War II in Europe and the general's controversial role during that period.

The narrative structure follows Patton through the autumn of 1944 and into 1945, chronicling his command of the Third Army as Allied forces pushed into Germany. O'Reilly and Dugard detail Patton's military achievements during this period, including his relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge and his army's rapid advance across southern Germany. The authors portray Patton as a brilliant tactical commander whose aggressive approach to warfare stood in contrast to the more cautious strategies favored by some of his contemporaries, particularly British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery.

A significant portion of the book explores the tensions between Patton and Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower. The authors document various incidents where Patton's outspoken nature and controversial statements created diplomatic problems for the Allied command. These episodes include Patton's public comments about the Soviet Union and his handling of denazification policies in post-war Germany, which ultimately led to his removal from command of the Third Army.

The central mystery that gives the book its title revolves around the automobile accident on December 9, 1945, that left Patton paralyzed from the neck down. The general died twelve days later from complications related to his injuries. O'Reilly and Dugard present the known facts of the accident: Patton was riding in a Cadillac staff car near Mannheim, Germany, when it collided with an American military truck. While Patton's injuries were severe, others in the vehicle were largely unharmed, a detail the authors highlight as unusual.

The book raises questions about whether the accident was truly accidental or if it might have been orchestrated. The authors explore various theories and present circumstantial evidence that has led some to suspect foul play. They discuss Patton's deteriorating relationship with Soviet authorities and his vocal opposition to communist expansion in Europe, suggesting these factors might have made him a target. However, the authors stop short of making definitive claims about assassination, acknowledging that conclusive proof remains elusive.

O'Reilly and Dugard incorporate extensive historical context throughout the narrative, describing the broader military and political landscape of 1945. The book touches on the Yalta Conference, the race to Berlin, and the emerging Cold War tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. These passages provide readers with a framework for understanding the complex environment in which Patton operated during his final year.

The writing style remains consistent with other entries in the "Killing" series, favoring short chapters and present-tense narration to create immediacy and maintain pacing. This approach makes the historical material accessible to general readers who might not typically engage with military history. The authors employ dramatic scene-setting and focus on human details to bring historical figures to life on the page.

Research for the book draws from various sources, including military records, contemporary newspaper accounts, and previously published biographies of Patton. The authors consulted documentation related to the accident investigation and Patton's medical treatment following the collision. However, some historians have questioned certain interpretations and connections made in the text, particularly regarding the assassination theories.

"Killing Patton" succeeds in bringing attention to a often-overlooked aspect of World War II history: the period immediately following Germany's surrender and the challenges of occupation and denazification. Patton's role during this transitional phase, along with his controversial views on how to handle the defeated Germans and the emerging Soviet threat, provides insight into the complexities of post-war Europe.

The book serves a dual purpose: it functions as both a biography of Patton's final year and an exploration of an enduring historical mystery. Readers interested in World War II history, military leadership, or unsolved historical questions will find material of interest. The accessible writing style makes the subject matter approachable for those without extensive background knowledge of the period, though readers seeking deeply analytical military history may find the treatment somewhat surface-level. "Killing Patton" ultimately presents the known facts surrounding a controversial general's unexpected death while acknowledging the limitations of what can be definitively proven about the circumstances that ended his life.