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Senior Veterans Reflect on World War II Hero
(June 5, 2009) |
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Retired Army Col. James Patton Totten gives a presentation about the life and legacy of his grandfather, Army Gen. George S. Patton, to a group of about 40 World War II veterans June 1, 2009, in Birmingham, Ala. The presentation was a special event put together by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the World War II competitors of the 23rd Annual National Veterans Golden Age Games. |
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 2,
2009 – Glenn R. Sheridan sat quietly captivated
as he and about 40 fellow World Ward II-era
veterans listened to the words of the grandson
of one of their generation's most influential
and legendary military figures.
The 83-year-old veteran of three wars didn't
serve under Army Gen. George S. Patton. He
didn't even serve in the same branch of service,
but he was pleased, to say the least, to have
the opportunity to hear Patton's grandson share
stories here last night before a modest group of
senior veterans participating in the 23rd Annual
National Veterans Golden Age Games.
“This is one of the great things we get to enjoy
by taking part in events like the Golden Age
Games,” Sheridan said of the Patton presentation
given by retired Army Col. James Patton Totten.
“And it's nice to bring all these veterans
together to learn from each other and talk about our
experiences.” |
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Sheridan, who served nearly 10 years on
active duty as a Navy medical corpsman and another 25 years
as an Army National Guard mechanic, fought in World War II,
the Korean War and Vietnam. Throughout his 35 years of
military service, he said Patton was a leader he always
looked up to. And after Totten's presentation, Sheridan was
even more impressed. |
“General Patton had a whole
lot of influence on [World War II], and
becauseof him, it ended a lot sooner than it probably would have,
otherwise,” Sheridan said. “So to hear these
stories from his grandson was a real treat.”
Totten told family stories of his grandfather's
career and pastimes and praised the World War
II-era military members for setting the example
for future generations to follow. Totten, a
Vietnam War veteran himself, said there's no
comparison to his grandfather and the World War
II veterans as to which is the greatest
generation.
Although Patton is remembered for his keen
military skills and intelligence, the group of
veterans learned that his success didn't come
easily. The general suffered from dyslexia and
had difficulty making it through the ranks until
the latter part of his 37-year career, Totten
said. |
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About 40 World War II veterans listen to retired Army Col. James Patton Totten give a presentation about the life and legacy of his grandfather, Army Gen. George S. Patton, June 1, 2009, in Birmingham, Ala. |
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Patton was actually almost kicked out of
the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., for poor
academics but was retained solely because of his military
bearing. Patton ended up having to repeat his freshman year,
Totten told the group.
“I was very surprised and quite taken back by what Patton
had to overcome to be the kind of leader he was,” Sheridan
said.
In spite of Patton's adversity, his leadership and legacy
still became a symbol of America's military and an example
for today's leaders waging war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Patton and his generation of troops set the standard for
modern leaders, Totten said.
“Those of us who've had the opportunity to meet with young
soldiers today fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq can be very
proud of those young men following in your footsteps,” he
said. “A large part of their success is because of the
standard of leadership set by your generation and men like
George Patton.” | |
Article and photo by
Army SFC Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
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