George S Patton And Odysseus From The Odyssey - 1248 Words

The sun is just setting over the men of the Third Army. They are overtaking one of the most prized Nazi strongholds, Metz. These men who will wage war within the hour are heroes in their own right but the hero they all look up to is their general, George S. Patton. He truly is the hero of this theatre of war. These, and all heroes, look at danger as little more than an obstacle to overpass. General George S Patton and Odysseus from The Odyssey, by Homer, are both heroes. They reached fame at very different times but they both exhibited the same qualities and abilities that allowed them to overcome any and every challenge thrown at them. Patton fought Nazis in North Africa and Western Europe, Odysseus battled Cyclops and other beasts†¦show more content†¦He would not have been called a coward if he walked away from those odds. He didnt walk away. He stood and fought with his son and they prevailed. He decided that his home and his family were worth the risk. Patton, a s a general in WWII, knew that each man under his control was worth it. He told them that,† Each man has a purpose in my army and each man before me will be expected to fulfill that duty†(O’Reilly.14). Patton did more than just inspire his men from a concealed hideout, far from the danger of the front lines, he also journeyed in his Willy Jeep to the front lines to guide the assault. He was a high value target and escaped death on numerous occasions but he maintained his composure on these ever increasing excursions. When leaving the front lines he would find soldiers and make a point of, â€Å"placing his hand on their shoulder, looking them in the eyes and saying, ‘Don’t disappoint me soldier.† (O’Reilly.15). He expected a lot of his men just as Odysseus did as evidenced by his disappointment when members of his crew became disloyal and even acted as cowards when faced with challenges.. Odysseus himself did great things but he expe cted to be a role model to his men as well. When in a grim situation, a hero needs to remain composed to allow for his wisdom and strategic mindset to come through and save the day as displayed by both Odysseus and Patton. Odysseus was trapped in a cave with a stone, that no group of men could move, separating him from the