General George Patton Leadership Program

Inspiring Legendary Leadership

General George S. Patton led a life of leadership and service that served as an example for many. Today, the General George Patton Leadership Program, sponsored by the Patton Museum Foundation, is bringing leadership alive for young people in a series of new programs.

The Program was created to develop, foster and inspire in young people the legendary leadership skills demonstrated by General Patton and embodied in the American soldier.

While the youth leadership training programs are currently being conducted on-site at the Patton Museum, the ultimate goal is to develop facilitator training and certification that would allow for an exportable program that could be used to teach Patton’s brand of Legendary Leadership across the nation. “Students, organized into small workgroups, learn together in an environment that has solid academic content, and in which they can build personal leadership models and commitments inspired by the example of General Patton’s legacy,” said Mike Harper, chairman of the General George Patton Leadership Program’s development.

“The model we are using is distinctive because it reflects the strengths of George S. Patton but generalizes extremely well,” noted Harper.

Currently, there are two programs being tested, one geared toward high school students and the other for middle school students.

“Building Legendary Leadership (BLL) is for high school students. The Leader in Me (LIM) is a modified version geared more to the middle school level. Both are formed from lessons designed to help students see their potential in leading in all areas of life. The lessons allow them to SEE how they lead, put them in leadership roles and reflect on their performance. Both projects promote self-discovery and enhance self esteem,” explained Cindy Carter, teacher and education consultant.

BLL was conducted with a group of high school students in April and September of this year. In April, a group of JROTC from Griffin High School in Georgia met at Fort Knox for training. Incorporating real life examples of the leadership of General Patton, students did exercises in teamwork, decision making and leadership style. The weekend culminated with students’ personal commitments to enact leadership in their own schools and communities.

Hands-on exercises included building a tower out of soda straws to explore how teams work together and a museum scavenger hunt to find leaders who embodied the traits of Legendary Leadership.

“The program is made up of a series of facilitated experiences focused on helping each participant develop their own personal leadership ‘story’. Through these experiences, students learn to identify and commit to leadership activities that will foster their own personal growth and values,” said Harper. Student comments evaluating the program included:

“This program was really helpful. I want to thank all of you for allowing me and my peers to participate in your program. It made me see myself for who I really am.”

“It helped me understand leadership and teamwork beyond what I already knew and it was really fun.”

“I am a better leader than I was when I left Griffin.”

Program facilitators saw participant’s positive responses to Patton’s unique brand of leadership.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to assist participants in the various exercises conducted during the Building Legendary Leadership program. I was impressed by the eagerness of the young people to learn about the history and dedication of an American soldier who displayed courage and leadership during a war that was far distant from their time of life,” said Robert W. Keats, Patton Museum Foundation Trustee and a facilitator in the BLL program.

“Once teens are exposed to Patton and begin learning about him, they find him interesting. It stands out to them that he faced obstacles and was not always a perfect leader. This helps students begin to let go of their own imperfections, insecurities and flaws. The ‘realness’ he provides for them makes him an inspirational figure,” observed Carter.

The Leader in Me, designed for middle school students, will launch a pilot program in the fall. LIM helps young adults begin to identify their own personal leadership strengths. Each leader participates in a series of workshops that encourage teamwork, cooperation, community spirit and decision making.

“I want them to leave saying I’m a better leader than I was when I left home,” said Harper. While the impact of the program may be hard to gauge immediately, Keats observed, “I think the students returned home proud to have participated in the program after having learned how one American soldier demonstrated leadership during a time of great conflict and with some understanding of methods of working as a team. Those learning experiences will be very useful when they begin life in a business setting.” Harper is looking to the future with hope for the General George Patton Leadership Program and the important role it can play in shaping young leaders. “The real Patton legacy is not tanks. It is leadership!” said Harper.

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Patton Statue Returns to the Plain at West Point

On May 15, the statue of General George S. Patton, USMA class of 1909, was returned to the Plain at West Point in time for graduation ceremonies, which marked the centennial of the Patton’s graduation. The unveiling ceremony included remarks by LTG R. Steven Whitcomb, commander of Third Army from October 2005 to December 2007. He spoke of Patton’s legacy of leadership and the science of warfare.

Patton’s youngest grandson, Benjamin Patton, spoke of the family’s focus on passing down the lessons of history to future generations. He remarked that his family visited historic battlefields on birthdays and learned to honor the past.

The statue was moved a few years ago from its original position facing the library to make room for a library expansion. Responding to a formal request by this year's graduating class, Academy Superintendent LTG Buster Hagenbeck promised to have the statue placed near the parade grounds in time for this year's graduation.

The George S. Patton, Jr. Monument was erected by his friends, officers and men of the units he commanded. The statue was unveiled by Mrs. Patton and subsequently dedicated in 1950. Melted into the bronze hands of the statue are four silver stars worn by the general and one gold cavalry insignia which Mrs. Patton had worn since their marriage. Between the base of the statue, and the pedestal are four embroidered stars and a Third Army shoulder patch from the General's uniform; also, a Buffalo nickel, a Patton Statue Returns to the Plain at West Point token from Mr. James E. Fraser, designer of both the nickel and the statue. The statue’s location near Jefferson Hall is a temporary resting place. It was formerly located across the street from the old library. The statue was removed four years ago to make room for the construction of Jefferson Hall.

Theresa Brinkerhoff, Chief, Media Relations Branch and Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications at West Point said there has been no determination at this time of the final location for the monument. Outside reports have suggested that once campus renovations are complete, the statue of the famed armored commander will be moved to its permanent home along one edge of the cadet parade grounds, known as the Plain. That spot is currently marked by a 4-star flag. The statue will join the bronze likenesses of fellow Generals and West Point grads Eisenhower, MacArthur and Thayer, which also line the perimeter of the Plain.

The statue stands in testament to the words of Beatrice Patton at the initial unveiling of the statue, “Life is a book in which each chapter is different but every chapter is built on those that have gone before. Glory with honor never grows old. May this statue stand for Duty – Honor – America.”

Patton’s Principals of Legendary Leadership

Values: Values ground and guide behavior; they provide boundaries; and they form a framework for self-respect, self-confidence, and self-discipline. General Patton was grounded by love of country, faith and family.

Teamwork: The exercise of leadership requires working with others. Teamwork, collaboration, communication and other interpersonal skills are essential to effective leadership. General Patton rallied the troops to inspire teamwork.

Excellence: A commitment to excellence is a hallmark of leadership and self-respect. General Patton expected excellence from himself and others.

Commitment: Commitment is essential to leadership. Effective leaders must be committed to their organization and to their teammates, and they must be willing to take personal risks for the success of the team. General Patton’s front line presence was evidence of his commitment.

Action: Leaders “make things happen” through critical thinking, analytic, problem solving, and decision making skills. General Patton was “where the action is” as a ‘Point of the Spear’ leader.

Perseverance: General Patton described leadership as “how high you bounce” when you have suffered a set-back. Effective leaders are tough minded, selfconfident, and persistent. General Patton embodied these qualities.

Farewell Dear Friends and Colleagues

Nancy Probus Retires

In every organization there is someone at the center who anticipates needs, brings people together and makes life easier for the people around her. At the Patton Museum Foundation this person was Nancy Probus. Nancy, a 1955 graduate of Leitchfield High School, had a distinguished career that included working as a teacher in Breckinridge County Schools, a secretary for Olin Chemical Corporation and over 23 years of as a Civil Service Employee at Fort Knox – all before joining the staff of the foundation.

After retiring from Civil Service in 1997, Don Appler and Don Williams hired Nancy as the Administrative Director of the Patton Museum Foundation. Nancy was present at an unprecedented period of growth for the museum and helped smooth the way with her winning manner and knowledgeable assistance until her retirement in March of this year.

“The Patton Museum and Foundation are in many ways a large and rambunctious family with many branches and many stories. Clearly, the matriarch of the family has been Nancy Probus! Because of her decades of service at Fort Knox, she has been the glue of the family: holding it together, connecting distant relatives, encouraging relationships and providing her warm embrace at every reunion. Nothing in my time with the Patton Museum Foundation has meant more to me than Nancy’s support and love!” said Major General Richard Chegar, U.S. Army (ret), Chairman of the Board of the Patton Museum Foundation.

Good luck Nancy and enjoy a well deserved retirement!

Karen Ludbrook Young Joins the Donnelly Museum

Karen Young, Curator for Education at the Patton Museum from January 2005 to April 2009, has returned to her native Canada to take the position of Museum Manager at the Lucan Area Heritage and Donnelly Museum in Ontario, Canada.

During Karen’s tenure the museum developed its web site as an educational tool, greatly expanded its education programs and won numerous awards.

Her efforts are exemplified by the Kentucky History Award the museum won for a Veterans Program with the Bullitt County Extension Office. In the program, fifth graders interact with World War II veterans, bringing history to life. The program has grown and the museum receives requests from other counties for Veterans programming.

“Reflecting on Karen Young and her myriad contributions to the Patton Museum, the quality that characterized all of her accomplishments was her absolute dedication to achieving excellence in the details of every assignment. Nowhere was that more apparent than when she was first called on to fill in conducting museum tours when no one else was available. Quickly, Karen became our best guide, the first choice to enthrall VIP guests with the relish of her energy and encyclopedic knowledge. Of course, that is not why Karen made the Patton Museum an award winner; but it does reflect the talent, energy and intellect of a remarkable woman!” said Major General Richard Chegar, U.S. Army (ret), Chairman of the Board of the Patton Museum Foundation.

Thank you Karen for helping the museum preserve history and educate people on the important contributions of General Patton and soldiers everywhere!

Reflecting on Patton: Fearless in the Face of Danger

Hugh Lowry arrived at Fort Knox in 1942 for basic training and went on to serve in Company C, 24th Engineers, Fourth Armored Division as a heavy truck driver. He shares his encounters with General George S. Patton here.

Greetings from Oklahoma to my World War II buddies and friends at Fort Knox, The Fourth Armored Division was the lead division for Patton’s Third Army from the beaches in France to Czechoslovakia. I helped build many bridges, air strips and landing strips, as well as assisting in road repairs. I saw General Patton many times at these work sites.

Once, General Patton was at a bridge site and was walking along the bank of the river throwing rocks into the water. He came and asked when the bridge would be completed. A Colonel said, “General you shouldn’t be here. You could be killed.” Patton replied, “Colonel, by damn, you could be killed too.” He went on to say that you don’t fight a war and not have casualties.

Hugh Lowry

I was at another bridge site and was refueling my truck when I turned around in time to see General Patton jump from a Jeep that was still moving. He rushed up to me and asked why I had the road blocked. When he was done talking he told me it was my time to speak. I told him that the bridge was at our left and the road was not blocked. He replied, “You T-5 are doing a good job and I am damn proud of you. Keep on going.”

I saw General Patton a number of times in dangerous places. He was at two bridge building sites and you don’t get closer to the enemy than that. Often times the Germans would shell, bomb or strafe us. General Patton told us that if they thought he should give orders back in some underground place they should think again. He said he liked to see the fighting and be with his men...

Patton’s Third Army liberated more square miles, more people and took more prisoners than any other army. An old World War II buddy, Hugh Lowry

Adventures Abroad: Touring Europe with the Tottens

As the wife of General Patton’s grandson Jamie Totten, Jody Totten has heard her fair share of stories about World War II. But on a tour of Europe this past July she got a firsthand look at the stories and perspective of people who lived through the war.

“I’m the new kid on the block in the Patton family and this was my first exposure to people whose lives were directly affected. I was just in awe,” said Totten.

She was one of 18 people, including her husband Jamie, trustee Steve Arnold and his wife Susan, architect Fred Guyton, and friend of the museum, Charlie Mong.

The group walked through small picturesque villages in the French, Belgian and Luxembourg countryside following in the footsteps of Allied armies. The tour was guided by Xavier Hoffalt and Mary James Lawrence, whose appreciation for fine food and knowledge of history made for a rich experience.

The tour began in Bruxelle, where participants walked the cobblestones of Grand-Place, a legendary square filled with café terraces, ancient guild halls, museums and monuments. It included a drive through The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the American Cemetery and the gravesite of General Patton and final resting place for 5,076 American soldiers. Sand from the beaches of Normandy was rubbed on the gravestones to help illuminate the names of fallen soldiers.

Totten said a high point of the trip was a ceremony at city hall in Arlon attended by the mayor, town historian, parliamentarian and local citizens. “The entire room was lined with folks in uniform and regular dress holding flags of every type under the sun. The mayor gave an address, gifts were exchanged and there was a reception.

Then we went down the street to a memorial to General Patton. I was impressed at how friendly the people were and how serious they were in their appreciation of General Patton.” Residents in each location shared stories of deprivation and survival passed down from family members. They also told of the immense relief people felt when they heard General Patton and his troops were on the march and headed their way.

Food was scarce and clothing cut from injured soldiers was washed and reused, explained Totten.

History came alive with visits to Fort de Fermont and Verdun and explorations of the fortifications of the Maginot Line (on the surface and underground).

“The fort is built into the side of a hill. There are concrete walkways. Three hundred feet down there is a maze of hallways with tracks that go to different locations underground. Soldiers stayed down there for three months at time,” said Totten.

The tour also included a riverboat cruise down the Moselle River to Schengen where the European agreements were signed. The group also went to the Memorial de Mardasson, which has a 360 degree view of all the battlefields of the Battle of the Bulge.

On the last night of the tour, the group sat at a restaurant in their hotel sharing stories. A group of locals at a nearby table joined in the conversation. Upon hearing mention of General Patton the grandmother said “The minute we heard Patton was coming we knew we’d be okay.”

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