Patton's Speech to the Third Army, alternatively known simply as "Patton's Speech" or "The Speech", was a series of speeches given by General George S. Patton to troops of the United States Third Army in 1944, prior to the Normandy Landings. Patton, already established as a highly effective and charismatic leader, sought to motivate the inexperienced Third Army for its pending combat duty. In the oration, Patton implored his soldiers to do their duty regardless of personal fear, imploring them to aggressiveness and constant offensive action. Patton's profanity-laced speaking was viewed as unprofessional by some other officers but the speech resounded well with his men. Some historians have acclaimed the oration as Patton's greatest speaking as well as one of the greatest motivational speeches of all time.
An abbreviated and less profane version of the speech became iconic after the 1970 movie Patton, as performed by actor George C. Scott before an enormous American flag. The performance was instrumental in bringing Patton into popular culture and transforming him into a folk hero.
Read more about Patton's Speech To The Third Army: Background, The Speech, Impact
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