Beschreibung:

PATTON, George S. Jr. Typed letter signed ("G S Patton, Jr.") to his former aide, Lt. Col. Charles R. Codman, Headquarters, 15th Army, Office of the Commanding General [in occupied Germany], 23 November 1945. 1 full page, 4to, on Patton's Commanding General stationery. A FEW WEEKS BEFORE HIS DEATH. Patton, writing from his new posting (paper army corps), gives an account of his birthday celebration (his birthday was 11 November): "We certainly missed you and the rest of the old crowd at the birthday luncheon and dinner....we had all the members of the old Third and Seventh Armies and other Africans available...among those present were Keyes and Cannon...In the evening we had a special dinner at the house for the original Africans [veterans of the North African campaigns]..." He reports he has not completed some operational data but says "I am not sure now is the time to use it but you can discuss that with Mrs. Patton. I am starting on another gastronomic tour tomorrow evening, first going to Metz and from there to Stockholm. If I survive I shall let you know the results." Then he adds a critical, but cryptic remark: "I agree with you that the distinguished gentleman and scholar who makes speeches certainly plays both ends against the middle. It is unfortunate that a man of his eminence is utterly lacking in intestinal fortitude." On 9 December, the day before he was to return to the United States, the 60-year-old Patton was fatally injured in a car accident and died on 21 December.