Patton and the Battle for Sicily

Flint Whitlock, a former U.S. Army officer and Vietnam War veteran, is the award-winning author of seventeen books, the majority dealing with World War II. He has appeared on the History Channel and in numerous documentaries, leads battlefield tours, and was editor of WWII Quarterly magazine for twelve years. Notable titles include Desperate Valor: Triumph at Anzio (2018), Given Up for Dead: American POWs in the Nazi Concentration Camp at Berga (2005), and The Fighting First: The Untold Story of the Big Red One on D-Day (2004).

• IntroductionBackstory: The Decision for SicilyChapter 1: The Airborne—First to FightChapter 2: Ladbroke: Risky BetChapter 3: Rangers Lead the WayChapter 4: Big Red One ArrivesChapter 5: Here Come the ThunderbirdsChapter 6: Marnemen Hit the BeachChapter 7: D-day at GelaChapter 8: D-Plus One: The CrisisChapter 9: Disaster in the SkyChapter 10: Massacre at BiscariChapter 11: Reconnaissance in ForceChapter 12: Palermo and BeyondChapter 13: Rough Road to MessinaChapter 14: Capturing a Town, Losing a CommanderChapter 15: A Fall from GraceChapter 16: The Slaps Heard Round the WorldSourcesBibliography

"Flint Whitlock's new examination of Patton and the Battle for Sicily is an important reminder of Patton's flaws and genius, and a beautifully crafted tale of a great general's relentless drive for glory and victory." — Alex Kershaw, author of New York Times bestsellers Against All Odds and Patton’s Prayer“George Patton was indisputably a master practitioner of mechanized and maneuver warfare, but he knew a little something about amphibious operations too. In this fascinating book, Flint Whitlock puts us at Patton's elbow as he works closely with his naval and aerial colleagues during one of history's greatest invasions. In that sense, Whitlock introduces us to an overlooked side of one of America's most famous generals. Highly recommended.”— John C. McManus, PhD, author of American Courage, American Carnage: The 7th Infantry Regiment's Combat Experience, 1812 Through World War II"Flint Whitlock has done it again. With a breath of research and assertive writing, he brings the story of the American Sicilian Campaign to life. He shows Patton as a brilliant, yet flawed leader, and the men under him bravely fighting and learning as they drive the Axis powers out of Sicily. Patton and the Battle for Sicily is a proud addition to Whitlock’s long list of excellent books, and a must for anyone interested in Patton and American World War II campaigns." — Kevin M. Hymel, author of Patton’s War: An American General’s Combat Leadership, Volume I, November 1942-July 1944“Riveting read of an underappreciated but momentous campaign. Flint Whitlock’s skillful use of first-person accounts takes the readers into the fighting in this fast-paced impactful narrative.” —Lt. Col. John Kelly Morningstar, USA (Ret.) adjunct professor of military history, Georgetown University and author of Patton's Way"Patton and the Battle for Sicily is a tight, well-written narrative covering the width and breadth of the Sicilian campaign. Serious scholars and casual readers will find something of interest in every chapter." — ARMY magazine“Whitlock’s book is an excellent introduction to the American side of HUSKY. ” — Tuesday Tidings