A Memoir of a Young Patten

Patten had his first real taste of battle in 19 18, at the age of 32, during the allied offensive on the argonne. He commanded tank division and was stricken by intense fear as he tried to lead a charge against german machine guns. Patten saw his illustrious military ancestors, all in their uniforms, staring sternly down at him. They seemed to be inviting him to join their company, the company of dead war heroes. Paradoxically, the sight of these men had a calming effect on the young patten. Calling for volunteers to follow him, he yelled, it is time for another patent to die.