Vol. 41, No. 07
04/14/2025
Deception and the Power of Prayer
The Army That Never Was: George S. Patton and the Deception of Operation Fortitude, by Taylor Downing, New York: Pegasus Books, 2024, 320 pages, hardcover. Patton’s Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory in World War II, by Alex Kershaw, New York: Dutton, 2024, 362 pages, hardcover. ...
While General William Tecumseh Sherman, of Civil War fame, defined war as hell, General George S. Patton, of World War II renown, both admittedly loved combat and sought heavenly intervention for peace — defined as victory. Patton is a key player in both the books under review, though he gets a smaller role in the broader volume about (British-led) military ruses during the conflict.
Both volumes are worthy additions to the (already-crowded) military history shelves. One is more focused on strategy, but both add nuances to what is known about Patton — from his (lesser-known) humble side to his legendary braggadocious front, from his deeply held devout beliefs to his renowned profane discourses. We get to see him at his best as a spearheading leader, and despondent when the shooting stops.
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