The Legacy of George S. Patton

Did George S. Patton have any children? Yes, he had three: Beatrice Smith, Ruth Ellen, and George Patton IV.

Family Members and Their Stories

George S. Patton Jr., the son of George S. Patton, followed in his father's footsteps and became a distinguished General. He served as the commander of the 3rd Armored Division during the Cold War, based in Mannheim, Germany. Interestingly, Patton Jr. had to work with Manfred Rommel, the burghermeister of Mannheim, who was also the son of General Erwin Rommel. They developed a good friendship during this period.

In his life, Patton had three notable children:

Beatrice Smith, born in March 1911 Ruth Ellen, born in February 1915 George Patton IV, born in December 1923

Patton’s Marriage and Family Life

At the age of 24, George S. Patton married Beatrice Banning Ayer, the daughter of a Boston industrialist, Frederick Ayer, on May 26, 1910, in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts. They had a happy and eventful family life together.

Beatrice Smith: A Promising Future

One of the daughters, Beatrice Smith, was particularly close to her father and had red hair, which often drew attention. The family often recounted stories of the sparks they struck with each other. Beatrice's future was promising, suggesting that she might be a suitable candidate for marriage.

Another daughter, Ruth Ellen, was noted for her preference to favor her father, something that likely brought them closer. Both daughters were a source of pride for their father, ensuring he would never forget his family.

George Patton IV: The Future of the Family

The youngest child, George Patton IV, was born in 1923. It's worth noting that Patton, referring to his family's relationship with Englishmen and their wealthy lifestyles, wrote to his daughter Beatrice, expressing his thoughts. He believed that marrying into an English family might not be the best route and suggested staying within their own community. His perspective was that in the future, they would value his decisions and appreciate him for it.

The Tragedy of Beatrice's Death

Patton's wife, Beatrice Banning Ayer, died on September 30, 1953, from a ruptured aneurysm while riding her horse in a hunt with her brother and others at the Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. This tragic event marked the end of Beatrice's life and brought profound sorrow to the Patton family.

The legacy of the Pattons continues to be discussed, especially in the context of their military endeavors and family dynamics.