Promotion of Patton to Brigadier General

On 12/03/1943, George S. Patton was promoted to the temporary rank of Lieutenant General in the Army of the United States, elevating him to three star rank during the North African campaign. The promotion followed his assignment to command U.S. II Corps after the Battle of Kasserine Pass in February 1943, when Allied leadership sought a more aggressive commander to restore discipline and effectiveness. Patton took command in early March 1943 and implemented rapid changes in training, command procedures, and battlefield conduct as Allied forces prepared to resume offensive operations in Tunisia. Patton had already been serving in temporary general officer ranks earlier in the war. He was promoted to temporary Brigadier General on 02/10/1940 and advanced to temporary Major General on 04/04/1941. The March 1943 promotion to Lieutenant General reflected his expanded responsibilities commanding a corps level formation in combat. After the Tunisian campaign, he later commanded the U.S. Seventh Army during the invasion of Sicily beginning on 10/07/1943. During World War II, U.S. Army officers often held both temporary wartime ranks and permanent Regular Army grades. Patton received a permanent appointment as Brigadier General on 01/09/1943, while continuing to serve in higher temporary ranks. Near the end of the European campaign, he was promoted to temporary full General on 14/04/1945 while commanding the U.S. Third Army in Germany. Key Promotions During World War II 02/10/1940 – Brigadier General, temporary 04/04/1941 – Major General, temporary 12/03/1943 – Lieutenant General, temporary 01/09/1943 – Brigadier General, permanent 14/04/1945 – General, temporary