Patton Appointed Interim Commander of US Army Europe

After being relieved of command of the Third Army, Patton's final assignment was to command the U.S. 15th Army based in Bad Nauheim. The 15th Army at this point consisted only of a small headquarters staff working to compile a history of the war in Europe. Patton accepted the post because of his love of history but quickly lost interest. He began traveling, visiting various European cities. Patton decided that he would leave his post at the 15th Army and not return to Europe once he left for Christmas leave on 10 December. He intended to discuss with his wife whether he would continue in a stateside post or retire from the Army. Meanwhile, Eisenhower returned to the United States to become the Chief of Staff of the US Army, and Patton was appointed interim commander of US Army Europe on 11 November 1945. He served in the position until relieved by General Joseph T. McNarney on 26 November 1945.