Target (57 page)
Authors: Robert K. Wilcox
4
Ibid.
Ibid.
5
This article was in
Military’s
August 1987 edition. Staats’s story was authored by John Enigl, a contributor to the
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
.
This article was in
Military’s
August 1987 edition. Staats’s story was authored by John Enigl, a contributor to the
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
.
6
The assertion is in Sawicki’s December 17, 2001, obituary in the
Buffalo News
and was confirmed to me by his family who had heard the story many times.
The assertion is in Sawicki’s December 17, 2001, obituary in the
Buffalo News
and was confirmed to me by his family who had heard the story many times.
7
Lester Gingold, interview by author, Winter, 2005.
Lester Gingold, interview by author, Winter, 2005.
8
Gerald T. Kent, M.D.,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II
(The Cobham and Hatherton Press, 1989). Kent made his claim in a 1989 book,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II
.
Gerald T. Kent, M.D.,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II
(The Cobham and Hatherton Press, 1989). Kent made his claim in a 1989 book,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II
.
10
Ibid., 817. Blumenthal’s “statement” by Woodring carries no date but the book was published in 1974. Early newspaper stories about the accident also said two trucks were involved.
Ibid., 817. Blumenthal’s “statement” by Woodring carries no date but the book was published in 1974. Early newspaper stories about the accident also said two trucks were involved.
11
Bazata infers they were on opposite sides, the disabled truck on the side into which the traveling truck would turn, the traveling truck waiting on the opposite side.
Bazata infers they were on opposite sides, the disabled truck on the side into which the traveling truck would turn, the traveling truck waiting on the opposite side.
13
While Denver Fugate, a historian who visited the site of the crash in Germany, believes Thompson was turning into a quartermaster depot, (see Denver Fugate, “The End of the Ride: An Eyewitness Account of George S. Patton’s Fatal Accident,”
Armor
, November-December 1995), Farago in
Last Days,
who also researched there, does not. (See 226-227).
While Denver Fugate, a historian who visited the site of the crash in Germany, believes Thompson was turning into a quartermaster depot, (see Denver Fugate, “The End of the Ride: An Eyewitness Account of George S. Patton’s Fatal Accident,”
Armor
, November-December 1995), Farago in
Last Days,
who also researched there, does not. (See 226-227).
14
In some interviews, Woodring says the speed was 30 miles per hour.
In some interviews, Woodring says the speed was 30 miles per hour.
15
John Woodring’s former wife, Anne Woodring, confirmed these views in a
separate interview, May 2005.
John Woodring’s former wife, Anne Woodring, confirmed these views in a
separate interview, May 2005.
16
I had a copy of the manuscript entitled,
Horace L. Woodring: The True Story of “The Last Days of Patton,”
sent to me by Peter J.K. Hendrikx, a Patton admirer and researcher in the Netherlands. While I’ve not been able to contact Shelton, members of Woodring’s family say she is related, although they are not sure how. The manuscript, which Hendrikx thinks might have been written as a thesis, states that the interview was made on November 11, 1986.
I had a copy of the manuscript entitled,
Horace L. Woodring: The True Story of “The Last Days of Patton,”
sent to me by Peter J.K. Hendrikx, a Patton admirer and researcher in the Netherlands. While I’ve not been able to contact Shelton, members of Woodring’s family say she is related, although they are not sure how. The manuscript, which Hendrikx thinks might have been written as a thesis, states that the interview was made on November 11, 1986.
17
This is shorter and different from the quote Farago attributes to Gay in
Last Days
, page 226. But since it’s much closer to the accident, I give it more credit.
This is shorter and different from the quote Farago attributes to Gay in
Last Days
, page 226. But since it’s much closer to the accident, I give it more credit.
18
Undated and unsigned, the statement was sent to me by Daun van Ee, Historical Specialist at the Library of Congress. The citation van Ee gave is “Patton Papers, Box 14, Chronological File, December 2-18, 1945.” Portions of the statement, including the “Look!” references referred to here are in early press reports about the accident.
Undated and unsigned, the statement was sent to me by Daun van Ee, Historical Specialist at the Library of Congress. The citation van Ee gave is “Patton Papers, Box 14, Chronological File, December 2-18, 1945.” Portions of the statement, including the “Look!” references referred to here are in early press reports about the accident.
19
Seventh Army Public Relations Office (PRO) documents sent to me from the National Archives. Sources of the documents are not identified other than a folder labeled “Very Important Persons, Pro. Sec., 10 December 45 - 1 Feb 45.”
Seventh Army Public Relations Office (PRO) documents sent to me from the National Archives. Sources of the documents are not identified other than a folder labeled “Very Important Persons, Pro. Sec., 10 December 45 - 1 Feb 45.”
20
Both mentioned in the Gay statement.
Both mentioned in the Gay statement.
22
Peter J.K. Hendrikx, “An Ironical Thing,” Patton Appreciation Society Newsletter, UK, December 1995.
Peter J.K. Hendrikx, “An Ironical Thing,” Patton Appreciation Society Newsletter, UK, December 1995.
23
The article is in an undated New Jersey newspaper story about the crash. “In an INS dispatch,” it says, “Sgt Armando DeCrescenzo, of George Road, Cliffside Park... and three other soldiers rushed to the scene and gave treatment to the general . . . .” This meshes with Woodring’s statement in
Fighting Pattons
about the first “ambulance.”
The article is in an undated New Jersey newspaper story about the crash. “In an INS dispatch,” it says, “Sgt Armando DeCrescenzo, of George Road, Cliffside Park... and three other soldiers rushed to the scene and gave treatment to the general . . . .” This meshes with Woodring’s statement in
Fighting Pattons
about the first “ambulance.”
24
“The End of the Ride,” Denver Fugate
“The End of the Ride,” Denver Fugate
26
An MP headquarters that records show did exist.
An MP headquarters that records show did exist.
27
See Woodring’s interviews in the articles by Hendrikx, Fugate, and Shelton.
See Woodring’s interviews in the articles by Hendrikx, Fugate, and Shelton.
28
Obtained from Old Dominion.
Obtained from Old Dominion.
29
“18 December 1945” memorandum by “Brig. Gen. John M. Willems,” Seventh Army Chief of Staff, in whose jurisdiction the accident took place. Its subject is “Accident investigation” and is addressed to “Provost Marshal.” It says information on the Patton accident came from a report signed by 1Lt. Peter Sabalas (sic) of the 818th Military Police Company, Mannheim. Obviously the “S” is a mistake.
“18 December 1945” memorandum by “Brig. Gen. John M. Willems,” Seventh Army Chief of Staff, in whose jurisdiction the accident took place. Its subject is “Accident investigation” and is addressed to “Provost Marshal.” It says information on the Patton accident came from a report signed by 1Lt. Peter Sabalas (sic) of the 818th Military Police Company, Mannheim. Obviously the “S” is a mistake.
31
United Press (UP) dispatch from Mannheim, dated December 10 (1945). No press have been reported at the scene so such stories were probably written from second hand reports.
United Press (UP) dispatch from Mannheim, dated December 10 (1945). No press have been reported at the scene so such stories were probably written from second hand reports.
32
Stars and Stripes Frankfurt bureau report, dated December 9.
Stars and Stripes Frankfurt bureau report, dated December 9.
33
Babalas’s biographical sketch in Old Dominion University, Norfolk’s, special collections section which has his papers, as well as news stories such as “Legislator ‘Upset’ by Landbank’s Rates,”
The Virginian-Pilot
, Sept. 19, 1990.
Babalas’s biographical sketch in Old Dominion University, Norfolk’s, special collections section which has his papers, as well as news stories such as “Legislator ‘Upset’ by Landbank’s Rates,”
The Virginian-Pilot
, Sept. 19, 1990.
34
Ibid.
Ibid.
35
The book was co-written by former assistant Deputy FBI Director Anthony E. Daniels.
The book was co-written by former assistant Deputy FBI Director Anthony E. Daniels.
36
See Hendrikx and Shelton.
See Hendrikx and Shelton.
38
In separate interviews.
In separate interviews.
39
I have a copy of the story given to me for other reasons by Bazata.
I have a copy of the story given to me for other reasons by Bazata.
40
Since service numbers are much longer, the 7340 is either part of a service number or more likely a phone number.
Since service numbers are much longer, the 7340 is either part of a service number or more likely a phone number.
41
On the 90th’s website.
On the 90th’s website.
43
As his military record, eventually unearthed, would show.
As his military record, eventually unearthed, would show.
44
The declassified document is a typewritten release from “Conklin, acting PRO Seventh Army” to “Information Room PRO USFET” giving Gen. Patton’s condition at the hospital the Thursday after the accident.
The declassified document is a typewritten release from “Conklin, acting PRO Seventh Army” to “Information Room PRO USFET” giving Gen. Patton’s condition at the hospital the Thursday after the accident.
46
Signed by Brig. Gen. M. Willems, it concerns the “Provost Marshal Accident Investigation” and is dated 18 December 1945.”
Signed by Brig. Gen. M. Willems, it concerns the “Provost Marshal Accident Investigation” and is dated 18 December 1945.”
48
This deviation is also in Seventh Army Public Relations Officer documents quoting an alleged statement Woodring gave at the scene. But it does indicate changing details in his story as Woodring has retold it through the years.
This deviation is also in Seventh Army Public Relations Officer documents quoting an alleged statement Woodring gave at the scene. But it does indicate changing details in his story as Woodring has retold it through the years.
50
See the Conklin PRO memo.
See the Conklin PRO memo.
51
Ibid., 277.
Ibid., 277.
52
When asked, neither the army nor the Post-Tribune could shed any new light on this.
Chapter Twelve: The Last BulletWhen asked, neither the army nor the Post-Tribune could shed any new light on this.
1
Ball states the time in a letter to Esther E. Rohlader, historian at Walter Reed Medical Center, who apparently requested his recollection for the Center’s records. The letter is dated October 19, 1964.
Ball states the time in a letter to Esther E. Rohlader, historian at Walter Reed Medical Center, who apparently requested his recollection for the Center’s records. The letter is dated October 19, 1964.
2
“12 December 1945 Case Summary of General George S. Patton Jr.” which is part of his medical records.
“12 December 1945 Case Summary of General George S. Patton Jr.” which is part of his medical records.
3
Hill’s recollection is in another letter addressed to Walter Reed Medical Center’s Rohlander. It’s dated October 21, 1964. Kent’s is in a book,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II,
published in 1989.
Hill’s recollection is in another letter addressed to Walter Reed Medical Center’s Rohlander. It’s dated October 21, 1964. Kent’s is in a book,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II,
published in 1989.
4
This quote is widely attributed to Patton and can be found in, among other sources, Ladislas Farago,
The Last Days of Patton
(New York: Berkley, 1981), 233 and Robert H. Patton,
The Pattons: A Personal History of an American Family
(Brassey’s, 2004), 280.
This quote is widely attributed to Patton and can be found in, among other sources, Ladislas Farago,
The Last Days of Patton
(New York: Berkley, 1981), 233 and Robert H. Patton,
The Pattons: A Personal History of an American Family
(Brassey’s, 2004), 280.
5
The description of his injuries here is from a variety of notes written on hospital forms predominately by Dr. Hill upon Patton’s admittance. They are labeled variously “History of the Present Illness’,’ “Chief Complaint-Condition on Admission,”
“Physical examination’,’ “Progress Notes’,’ and “Operation Report.” All are dated “9 Dec 1945.”
The description of his injuries here is from a variety of notes written on hospital forms predominately by Dr. Hill upon Patton’s admittance. They are labeled variously “History of the Present Illness’,’ “Chief Complaint-Condition on Admission,”
“Physical examination’,’ “Progress Notes’,’ and “Operation Report.” All are dated “9 Dec 1945.”
6
The description of Patton’s head wound comes from Hill’s memoir to Walter Reed historian Rohlander as well as several of the hospital forms already footnoted.
The description of Patton’s head wound comes from Hill’s memoir to Walter Reed historian Rohlander as well as several of the hospital forms already footnoted.
8
“History of the Present Illness,” dated “9 December, 1945” and initialed by Hill. Names of the witnesses are not given.
“History of the Present Illness,” dated “9 December, 1945” and initialed by Hill. Names of the witnesses are not given.
10
In terms of the available record.
In terms of the available record.
11
Gerald T. Kent, M.D.,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II
(The Cobham and Hatherton Press, 1989), 88.
Gerald T. Kent, M.D.,
A Doctor’s Memoirs of World War II
(The Cobham and Hatherton Press, 1989), 88.
12
The summary I have is only one page long. There may be more pages to it that might have an author’s signature.
The summary I have is only one page long. There may be more pages to it that might have an author’s signature.
13
Hospital records.
Hospital records.
14
Ibid.
Ibid.
15
The time is found in two of the hospital documents already cited and the place is in
Last Days
, 233.
The time is found in two of the hospital documents already cited and the place is in
Last Days
, 233.
16
This probably was Cobb, whom Gay writes in his memoir drove him to the hospital.
This probably was Cobb, whom Gay writes in his memoir drove him to the hospital.
17
Letter from Hill to Walter Reed Historian Esther Rohlader, dated October 19, 1964.
Letter from Hill to Walter Reed Historian Esther Rohlader, dated October 19, 1964.
19
Hill letter to Rohlader.
Hill letter to Rohlader.
20
Morphine sulphate shows up periodically on Patton’s day-to-day medical charts.
Morphine sulphate shows up periodically on Patton’s day-to-day medical charts.
23
The story, datelined “Mannheim, Dec. 10 (UPI?)” and headlined “Both Drivers Called Careless in Auto Crash’,’ does not have a byline. Dr. Kent also discusses the guards outside Patton’s room.
The story, datelined “Mannheim, Dec. 10 (UPI?)” and headlined “Both Drivers Called Careless in Auto Crash’,’ does not have a byline. Dr. Kent also discusses the guards outside Patton’s room.
24
Last Days
, 252-253. The story is quite famous for it got the nurse in trouble. The fact was that Patton was not as hard a drinker as often portrayed, although certainly not a teetotaler.
Last Days
, 252-253. The story is quite famous for it got the nurse in trouble. The fact was that Patton was not as hard a drinker as often portrayed, although certainly not a teetotaler.
25
This number is contained in a memoir by Dr. R. Glen Spurling, Patton’s chief neurosurgeon, which appears to be from where Farago obtained it. The memoir comes from a 30-page talk he gave approximately a year after treating Patton. He sent the speech to Mrs. Patton in August 1950, according to a letter that accompanies it.
This number is contained in a memoir by Dr. R. Glen Spurling, Patton’s chief neurosurgeon, which appears to be from where Farago obtained it. The memoir comes from a 30-page talk he gave approximately a year after treating Patton. He sent the speech to Mrs. Patton in August 1950, according to a letter that accompanies it.
27
A packet of nine pages, including letters and memos, titled “Outgoing Classified Message,” dated variously 9 and 10 December 1945, with Col. Alfred D. Starbird listed as the “preparing” officer.
A packet of nine pages, including letters and memos, titled “Outgoing Classified Message,” dated variously 9 and 10 December 1945, with Col. Alfred D. Starbird listed as the “preparing” officer.
30
Ibid., 17.
Ibid., 17.
31
Ibid., 17-18.
Ibid., 17-18.
32
Hospital records.
Hospital records.
34
Ibid., 265.
Ibid., 265.
35
Cable to “Lt. Col. Michele De Bakey,” of later heart surgery fame, at the surgeon general’s office. It was marked “priority” and “restricted” and signed by Gen. Keyes.
Cable to “Lt. Col. Michele De Bakey,” of later heart surgery fame, at the surgeon general’s office. It was marked “priority” and “restricted” and signed by Gen. Keyes.
37
According to his medical records.
According to his medical records.
38
The “Certificate” is dated February 16, 1938, Fort Riley, Kansas.” Attached is his 1939 annual army physical which reiterates the same information.
The “Certificate” is dated February 16, 1938, Fort Riley, Kansas.” Attached is his 1939 annual army physical which reiterates the same information.
39
The summary, handwritten on a hospital “Progress Notes” form is for “Patton” and says, “20 Dec Last night suddenly developed acute attack of dysnea with . . . ” The rest is unintelligible because of the poor quality of the copy.
The summary, handwritten on a hospital “Progress Notes” form is for “Patton” and says, “20 Dec Last night suddenly developed acute attack of dysnea with . . . ” The rest is unintelligible because of the poor quality of the copy.
41
Ibid., 269.
Ibid., 269.
42
“Progress Notes” for George S. Patton, “21 December, 1945. Summary.”
“Progress Notes” for George S. Patton, “21 December, 1945. Summary.”
44
Spurling in “Patton Bulletin No. 4,” one of the updates on Patton’s condition issued periodically by “Headquarters, U.S. Forces, European Theater, Public Relations Division.” This one was the final one issued after his death.
Spurling in “Patton Bulletin No. 4,” one of the updates on Patton’s condition issued periodically by “Headquarters, U.S. Forces, European Theater, Public Relations Division.” This one was the final one issued after his death.
45
Spurling memoir. Phlebitis could have been an alternative cause.
Spurling memoir. Phlebitis could have been an alternative cause.
46
Nurse’s Notes.
Nurse’s Notes.
48
“Progress Notes,” dated “21 December 1945.”
Chapter Thirteen: Murder by Truck“Progress Notes,” dated “21 December 1945.”
1
Form 52-1, The Adjutant General’s office, Washington, D. C., 24 December 1945.
Form 52-1, The Adjutant General’s office, Washington, D. C., 24 December 1945.
2
“Progress Notes,” dated “21 December 1945” and signed by Dr. Hill.
“Progress Notes,” dated “21 December 1945” and signed by Dr. Hill.
3
Spurling memoir.
Spurling memoir.
5
Ibid.
Ibid.
8
Conein, now dead, is known from Church Committee hearings as one of those involved in the assassination of South Vietnam premier Diem.
Conein, now dead, is known from Church Committee hearings as one of those involved in the assassination of South Vietnam premier Diem.
9
Safely dispersed with others.
Safely dispersed with others.
10
The diagrams, hand drawn pictures each, are attached to both Dr. Ball and Dr. Hill’s remembrances composed for Walter Reed Hospital.
The diagrams, hand drawn pictures each, are attached to both Dr. Ball and Dr. Hill’s remembrances composed for Walter Reed Hospital.
11
Judyth Sassoon, “Biochemical Assassination Weapons,”
Encyclopedia of Intelligence,
Gale Group, 2004. (
http://www.espionageinfo.com/Ba-Bl/Biochemical-Assassination-Weapons.html
.
Judyth Sassoon, “Biochemical Assassination Weapons,”
Encyclopedia of Intelligence,
Gale Group, 2004. (
http://www.espionageinfo.com/Ba-Bl/Biochemical-Assassination-Weapons.html
.
13
CIA memorandum entitled “Soviet Use of Assassination and Kidnapping”, prepared in February 1964 for the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy and declassified in 1971; obtained at the UCLA Library.
CIA memorandum entitled “Soviet Use of Assassination and Kidnapping”, prepared in February 1964 for the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy and declassified in 1971; obtained at the UCLA Library.
15
Robert Johnson, “A Study of Assassination,” appears to have been written as a graduate paper at Community University, Brooklyn N.Y. George Washington University National Security Archive.
Robert Johnson, “A Study of Assassination,” appears to have been written as a graduate paper at Community University, Brooklyn N.Y. George Washington University National Security Archive.
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