did Patton?

Question

did Gen. Goerge S. Patton Jr. really have a bull terrier named Willie

Answer 1

Yes, Patton did have a dog named Willie. He was quite the eccentric commander, and it was not just the bull terrier. He also famously wore a lacquered helmet so shiny that most other generals wouldn't be caught dead wearing one because, well, they probably would be dead from enemy snipers who could easily pick him out of a crowd. Patton also carried around a beautiful ivory-handled Colt 45 revolver. Finally, he was always seen on the front wearing riding breeches and cavalry boots, reminiscent of an old-time cavalry officer.

Answer 2

Yes, the white bull-terrier featured in George Scott's portrayal of him did, in fact, exist. He was purchased by Patton on March 4, 1944 when William the Conqueror (Willie) was 15 months old and traveled with the General through the Italian and Western European campaigns. It was not his first dog like this though - he owned several, including one named Tank. He gave some as gifts to his daughters as well.

Bill Maulden, a writer for Stars & Stripes, described Patton and William this way in a 1971 book, The Brass Ring, "There he sat, big as life even at that distance. His hair was silver, his face was pink, his collar and shoulders glittered with more stars than I could count, his fingers sparkled with rings, and an incredible mass of ribbons started around desktop level and spread upward in a flood over his chest to the very top of his shoulder, as if preparing to march down his back too. His face was rugged, with an odd, strangely shapeless outline; his eyes were pale, almost colorless, with a choleric bulge. His small, compressed mouth was sharply downturned at the comers, with a lower lip which suggested a pouting child as much as a no-nonsense martinet. It was a welcome, rather human touch. Beside him, lying in a big chair, was Willie, the bull terrier. If ever dog was suited to master this one was. Willie had his beloved boss's expression and lacked only the ribbons and stars. I stood in that door staring into the four meanest eyes I'd ever seen."

Sadly, the dog outlived Patton. See this sight for more & a photo:

http://www.dognameswoof.com/2006/11/george-s-pattons-dog-willie.htm

Answer 3

Yes,Patton owned a bull terrier named Willie.

Answer 4

yes indeed he did, he was planning to call him William after William the conqueror but as the dog was not as brave as Patton hoped he called him willie

Answer 5

Yes, and here's a good site on him:
http://www.olive-drab.com/od_wardogs_famous_willie.php