Patton Achieves 46th Place Among 103 Cadets at West Point Graduation

On 11/06/1909, George S. Patton Jr. graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He completed the four year program and ranked 46th in a class of 103 cadets. Upon graduation, Patton received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and was assigned to the cavalry branch, beginning his active duty career. Patton’s time at West Point included academic study, military training, and athletic participation. He entered the academy in 1904 and required an additional year to complete coursework after difficulties in mathematics, graduating with the class of 1909. Shortly after commissioning, he received orders to join the 15th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, where he reported on 12/09/1909 for his first assignment as a cavalry officer. The graduation marked the start of his professional military service that would later include Olympic competition, cavalry instruction, and World War I combat leadership.