Controversy Surrounding General Patton's Actions During the Sicily Campaign in August 1943

In August 1943, General George S. Patton became involved in a major controversy during the Sicily Campaign after striking two hospitalized U.S. soldiers suffering from combat exhaustion. At the time, Patton was commanding the U.S. Seventh Army during the Allied invasion of Sicily, which had begun on 10/07/1943. The first incident occurred on 03/08/1943 at the 15th Evacuation Hospital near Nicosia, where Patton confronted Private Charles H. Kuhl, who was being treated for what was then described as battle fatigue. Patton criticized the soldier, accused him of cowardice, and struck him before ordering him returned to the front. A second incident took place on 10/08/1943 at the 93rd Evacuation Hospital near San Stefano. In this case, Patton slapped Private Paul G. Bennett, who was also hospitalized for combat exhaustion. Witnesses reported that Patton again used harsh language and ordered the soldier removed from medical care. Medical staff objected to Patton’s actions, and reports of the incidents were forwarded up the chain of command. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Allied commander in the Mediterranean, formally reprimanded Patton and ordered him to apologize to the affected soldiers, the medical personnel, and the units involved. Although the incidents were initially kept from public release, they later became widely known after press reports in November 1943. Eisenhower allowed Patton to retain rank but removed him from immediate combat command. He did not lead forces in the initial phases of the Normandy invasion in June 1944, instead being assigned roles in planning and deception operations before returning to field command with the U.S. Third Army in August 1944.