Military & Warriors · 20th Century
George Patton’s Last Words
“This is a hell of a way to die.”— George Patton, December 21, 1945
Who Was George Patton?
General George Patton was America's most aggressive and successful combat commander in World War II. His rapid advance through France and Germany helped end the war in Europe.
The Final Moments
Patton was critically injured when his staff car collided with an Army truck near Mannheim, Germany, just months after the war ended. He spoke these words reflecting on the irony of surviving the war only to be felled by a car accident.
Are These Words Verified?
Hospital staff reported various statements by Patton during his 12-day hospitalization. This specific quote is widely cited but the exact wording and timing are less certain than often portrayed.
Sources
- firsthand Military hospital staff accounts
- biography Carlo D'Este, Patton: A Genius for War (1995)
- archive Military medical records, December 1945
Legacy
Patton is remembered as one of the greatest military commanders in American history. The 1970 film Patton, with George C. Scott, is considered one of the finest war biopics ever made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were George Patton’s last words?
“This is a hell of a way to die.”
How did George Patton die?
George Patton died on December 21, 1945 at the age of 60. Cause of death: Pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure following car accident.
Were George Patton’s last words documented?
Hospital staff reported various statements by Patton during his 12-day hospitalization. This specific quote is widely cited but the exact wording and timing are less certain than often portrayed.
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