From Milton Long
General Patton
We have purchased a replica of General Patton's pistol as a gift for a Patton admirer.
Question---Did General Patton ever shoot anyone? If anyone knows, please respond asap.
Tom Hartline
Reply from Nomad2261
Yes he did shoot someone, in the Mexican/US conflict @1915-16. He shot a higher up Lieutenant of Pancho Via. Patton strapped him to the Hood/Fender of a car and brought the body back to the U.S. Camp. Black Jack Pershing from then on referred to Patton as his (Pershing's) "cowboy".
From Milt Long
Patton killed two of the poncho soldiers and that was the reason her filled two notches on the grip of his 45. General Pershing told Patton that he could wear his colt revolver if he promised to get some of Pancho’s men. This was the first use of motorized soldiers in combat, which was Patton’s idea.
I have a copy of the cold manufacturing authentication for Patton’s revolver if U.S. Legacies wants a copy. I also have a replica of the pistol. The one I wear is the one I made from photo’s provided by the Patton museum. The engraving was not by Colt. It is believed that Payne had this done for Patton. This had been placed on the pistol prior to the skirmish at San Miguelito because a newspaper article of May 16, 1916 noted his six shooter, a beautiful weapon, chased and engraved. It was on the left side that he carved the two notches. The pistol was shipped to the Shelton Payne Arms Co., El Paso Texas on March 15, 1916. The right grip had “GSP” engraved on it. This pistol did not fire 45 automatic cartridges. It used center fired bullets. He added the Lanyard Swivel, which was to hold a thong that was looped through the right shoulder epaulet. If I can provide any further information, please let me know.
Milton Long
In 1943, I had the honor to escort President Franklin D. Roosevelt on his tour of Fort Knox. He also took time to talk to the troops and it was appreciated. He invited all us enlisted men to have lunch with him at the Post Officers Club, and guess where we got to sit, yes right st his table. It was something I will never forget and I am sure the sailors that got to meet and talk with President Bush feel the same way. What a great Country we have. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Milton Long
LUFT III POW CAMP IN SAGAN POLAND
The latest issue of the WWII magazine reports that there is a movement under way to establish a Memorial at the site of the Luft III POW camp in Sagan Poland. On March 24, 2004, the 60th anniversary of The Great Escape.
They had ceremonies to Commemorate the escape and to unveil the architectural Designs for the Memorial.
To see pictures of the Memorial go to: https://www.stalagluft3.com/great-escape-memorial/
I know that we have a lot of the former POW’s living in Central Ohio and they may be interest in this project. As you may know, I was a guest at the 1995 Luft III reunion in Cincinnati, with my Patton Jeep.
This was the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Luft III POW’s at Stalag VIIA in Moosburg I was a member of the 14th Armored Division of Patton’s 3rd Army. This was on April 29th, 1945.
This will be a great Monument to those that were POWs in Luft III.
Milton Long
Published in U S Legacies Magazine November 2004
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