Patton promoted to major and receives first tanks

On January 26, 1918, George S. Patton was promoted to the rank of major, marking a significant milestone in his military career. Just a few months later, on March 23, 1918, he received the first ten tanks at the tank school located in Bourg, a small village near Langres in the Haute-Marne département of France. This event was pivotal as it represented the introduction of armored warfare into the U.S. military strategy during World War I. Patton took an active role in this transition; he personally backed seven of the tanks off the train, demonstrating his commitment to the new technology. Furthermore, he trained tank crews to operate these vehicles effectively in support of infantry operations. His efforts were crucial in promoting the acceptance of tanks among infantry officers, who were initially reluctant to embrace this new form of warfare. Patton's innovative approach and leadership in tank warfare would later influence military tactics in subsequent conflicts, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of armored warfare.