GEORGE S. PATTON DIARIES  Annotated transcripts Aug. 26, 1943-Feb. 8, 1944 (1 of 2)

BOX 3 FOLDER 3

GEO S PATTON JR

          DIARIES

TYPED (V)

August 26, 1943-February 8, 1944

Volume 5 (corrected by P.H.)
AUGUST 26 - FEBRUARY 8, 1944

August 26, 1943 (contd p.2)                                                          Vol V
Alex came to see what he could steal. We also got a radio from 15th Army Group to send in a list of all half-tracks and scout cars not marked for Fifth Army. I think that Eighth Army is going to try to steal all this equipment. I doubt if they have a right, but if I suggest to Ike that this is the case, he will tell me I don't see the "big picture." I wish to God he was an American.  
         General Hughes radioed  that if I could send a plane he would come to see me on Friday, tomorrow. I am sending mine. I will take up the question of half-tracks and scout cars for the British with him.
August 27, 1943
         Flew to Licata and made speech to all of 1st Division. They looked fine and much better disciplined than before General Huebner took over. After lunch I talked to selected officers of all grades on their battle experience. I have done this with every division and hope to get a good cross section of how wars are fought.  Got here at 1600. Hughes, General C.H. White (G-1 War Dept.) and General R.B. Reynolds (G-1 SOS) and Mr. Johnson of the Treasury were waiting for me. We talked on many subjects connected with the campaign, especially replacements. Hughes made the remark, which is very sound, that a replacement is exactly the same as a spare part, and while we have solved the problem of spare parts we have not solved the problem\of replacements. This is largely due to the fact that the G-3 of Allied Force Headquarters is interested in units and not in replacements. The lack of replacements in all the operations so far undertaken is nothing short of scandalous. I do not know whether I put this across to these people, but I hope I did. The thing officers who lack battle experience fail to realize, is 

August 27, 1943 (contd p.2)
that divisions and armies are not animated tables of organization but have a soul just as human beings have, and that in order to get the best results, they must be maintained at strength with men who have been in them long enough to acquire the unit soul. Until this point is made clear, we shall never develop our full efficiency.
August 28, 1943
         Hughes, Mr. Johnson and I flew to San Stefano and then took a car and drove to Brolo. I explained the fights to them and took some pictures. We picked up the cub at d'Orlando and flew home. 
August 29, 1943
          Hughes and I went to the chapel, then Bradley, Keyes, Truscott, Gay and I flew to Catania. Ike had just landed and wasmost effusive. We had lunch with Monty, who was, I think trying to make up for not feeding me last time. Ike decorated him with the big cross of the Legion of Merit. Then I handed Ike my letter about the incident of the two soldiers. He just put it in his pocket. I had a letter from Lucas saying that Ike had written General Marshall a glowing account of me. Well, that was a near thing but I feel much better. Ike ordered me to go to Algiers to see Clark. He said that he may lose Bradley, Clark may be killed, and I will have to take over. I seem to be third choice but will end up on top. 
        (letter Aug.29 from Gen.P. to Gen. Eisenhower re slapping incident to follow here - unavailable for typing now.)   

August 30, 1943
Hughes, Keyes and I flew to Trapani in a cub. Just as we approached 
it there was a huge explosion in the harbor and for a moment I 
thought we were being bombed, but it turned out to be only a demolition. 
All officers and non coms of the 3d Division were assembled, also a 
guard of honor. The men looked splendid. I talked to them for twenty 
minutes. Later Hughes told Keyes that it was the only time he had seen 
an officer make a speech and remain himself. Hughes and I flew to Algiers 
and I spent the night with him. 

August 31, 1943
Flew to Mostaganem arriving at 1000. Went to meeting for discussion 
of final plans for "Avalanche". It lasted until 1800. Spent night 
with Clark in my former villa. He left for his office after supper, 
so I had no chance to talk to him. 
Toward the end of the meeting a member of AMGOT told how great
they are and made the statement that whenever the Army took over a
town, all government functions stopped until the arrival of AMGOT. I 
asked permission to reply to this statement and said, "Owing to General
Eisenhower's selective ability, I have captured towns in three 
languages and have invariably found that the civil government went on 
perfectly under the army, but that it was frequently dislocated for 
several days after AMGOT arrived." This remark unquestionably added 
to my popularity (?)  
September 1, 1943
Went to General Gruenther's office and talked to him for perhaps 
forty-five minutes on my experiences at "Husky". He was interested in
administrative matters, but not at all in tactics. However, he did 
ask me what I thought of the plan for "Avalanche". I was very tactful 
but could not help calling his attention to the fact that the plan

September 1, 1943 (cont'd p.2) 
uses the Sele River as a boundary between the British X Corps and the U.S. VI Corps, with no one actually on, or near, the river. I told him that just as sure as God lives, the Germans will attack down that river. He said their plans provided for ample artillery to be ashore by 0630 on D Day to stop any German counterattack. Of course plans never work, especially in a landing. I suggested this but it/did not not register. I can't see why people are so foolish. I have yet to be questioned by any planner concerning my experiences at "Torch" yet "Torch" was the biggest and most difficult landing operation attempted so far. "Whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad."

         Drove to Oran to have a look at my old training area. I was impressed with the discipline of the 34th and 36th Divisions and also of the SOS troops. However, I was shocked at the number of non-employed SOS troops walking around town. There are enough men in the SOS at Oran to provide the infantry with two divisions, or to provide ample replacements for all the troops in the Seventh Army, and many of these men were initially trained as infantry. 

September 2, 1943

         Flew to Algiers and spent night with Hughes. Ike sent for me in his office at 0900 and lectured me til 1045. I realize that I acted precipitately and accepted his remarks in the spirit intended. If feel that he likes me. Of course he should. He told me that the Seventh Army would be dispersed, that Brad was to go to England to form a new army and plan "Bolero". I told him I was a pretty good planner but he said I did not like to do it - in that it seems I am like him, or so he said (compliment?).   

          

September 2, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

         Flew back to Palermo taking twenty bags of mail. A day or two in Algiers almost kills me. No one there seems to be interested in the war and one cannot escape the feeling that the so-called Allied Headquarters is a British headquarters commanded by an American. While there this time, of all people I met, only General Hughes, Lucas and T.J. Davis 1 made any complimentary remarks concerning the activities of the Seventh Army in Sicily. It was so apparent that it is probably intentional, the most charitable assumption being that since the Seventh Army made the Eighth Army look like thirty cents, it is felt inadvisable, from an inter-Allied standpoint, to give any credit to the Seventh Army. 

         I note in the clippings from the U.S., some of which I/saw in Algiers, that the fall of Messina received scant notice, the only statement being that on the morning of the 17th, units of the 3d Division entered Messina. This statement is not only brief but incorrect. Units of the 3d Division entered Messina on the night of the 16th.

September 3, 1943

         Recovered from Algiers and dined with McSherry.

September 4, 1943

         Recovered some more and read papers I have collected.

September 5, 1943

         Went to church. Paddy Flint came to lunch and we went sailing. Getting the sail up, the headstay broke so we went out under the main only. We hit a slight squall and the backstay, the main shroud and the mast all broke. Hardly had the accident occurred when five boatloads of Italians bore down from five directions offering to tow us in. They

1. Brig Gen T.J. Davis G-1 AIHQ
         

September 5, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

are certainly very friendly enemies. Tonight at supper the cooks presented
me with a very beautiful cake, made like a book, with"Victory"
written on the outside.

September 6, 1943

         Got two radios this morning. The first one said that no spare parts
or men, would be sent over here as we are to be withdrawn to the
mainland. The second one ruined me. Brad goes to UK to activate the
First Army. "Bolero" will be undertaken by green troops trained in the
US and UK. A decision will be rendered as to the future of the Seventh
Army Headquarters. Finally, the prestige of the Seventh Army may be
useful in the follow-up of "Bolero". It is very heartbreaking. The
only time I have felt worse was the night of December 9th, 1942, when
Clark got the Fifth Army for losing his pants. I feel like death but
will survive - I always have. I called in all the heads of the staff
sections and had the two telegrams read. I said, "Gentlemen, what you
have heard is secret and will not be discussed nor mentioned to your
assistants. I believe in destiny and that nothing can destroy the
future of the Seventh Army.  However, some of you may not believe in
destiny, so if you can find a better job, get it and I will help you
all I can. You may be backing the wrong horse. 2 In any event we must
go right on like we know nothing, so that the enemy will fear the potential
threat of the Seventh Army." I feel that none of them will
leave me.1    

         General Summerall once told me that it is a bad thing to get too
good a staff, as everyone tries to steal it. Apparently people have
a very low opinion of my staff. Personally, I would not trade them
for any staff officers in Africa or the U.S. and I believe they
feel the same way about me.
         1. N.B. "They stuck like limpets", letter to BAP
         2. "Or hitched your wagon to the wrong stars "

September 6, 1943

         Major General W.H. Morris, Mr. John Marquand 1, General ! H  Simones, 
M.D. Reserve, came to visit me. I forgot to state that on the 31st 
Ike decorated Clark with the Legion of Merit for his valorous performances. 
Also he sent two inspectors over to question soldiers about my 
alleged brutality to them. He said he did it on my behalf, to counteract 
untrue stories. I think this may be true but fear that it is to 
protect Ike. And yet I believe in my star.

September 7, 1943
         Called on General A. Bradshaw, Jr. AA, and Colonel M.R. Thompson, AA, and 
in the presence of Colonel Harkins told them that on the night of the 
8th and 9th they would not fire unless attacked, and that I expected 
all or most of them to be on duty all night to see that this order was 
carried out. 
         Bradley came at 1045 to say goodbye and we had a guard and band for 
him. We had quite a long talk and I told him a lot of my best ideas 
to tell General Marshall. I suppose I should have kept them to gain 
reputation by springing them myself, but I am not built that way. The 
sooner they are put into effect the better for our army. Bradley has 
a chance to help or hurt me with GeneralMarshall. I hope he chooses 
the former course but I did not ask him to. My resilient nature 
worked all right and today I am almost back to normal. But I have to 
keep working on my belief in destiny and poor old destiny may have to 
put in some extra time to get me out of my present slump.  

September 8, 1943
         General Bradshaw, AA and Colonel C.R. Stone, AC came in at 0900 with 
instructions from Tactical Air Force relative to possible landing of 
Italian planes in Sicily tonight and thenceforth, as a result of 
Armistice just declared. They gave routes, altitudes, fields, etc.
                1.  popular novelist

September 8, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

It appears to me that if the Germans get onto this they can fly Italian 
planes in with German crews and raise hell; also two nights ago 
they dropped a large number of paratroops at Mateur in Africa to attack 
our planes on the ground. They particularly go after the P-38 
as it has long range. Also all the C-47 troop carriers are in the 
same airfields as those where the Italians may land. We are thus 
menaced by either carrier or paratroop attacks so I have moved troops, 
usually an infantry regiment, to each field and instructed them what 
to do. It may turn out an exciting evening. Truscott was in and says 
our 82nd Airborne Division is to land at Rome. The BBC Broadcast at 
0815 this morning said that in the RAF raids over Europe yesterday no 
enemy fighters had been met. This may mean that the German Air Force 
has moved to Italy and will attack our troops tomorrow when they land. 
Suppose the Italians can't or don't capitulate? 
         I also conceive it a great mistake to inform the troops, as has 
been done, of the signing of an Armistice. Should they get resistance 
instead of friendship it would have a very bad effect.

September 9, 1943
         So far as we know, no Italian planes turned in last night. Brigadier 
General Simones, Reserve in charge of preventive medicine in the 
office of the Surgeon General, Mr. John Marquand, on a secret mission, 
and Lt. Colonel Stone, AC, who have been here for a few days, came to 
say goodbye. They were very flattering in their remarks. 
         Gaffey thought he heard firing at sea off his area and we sent out 
a plane to take a look but could find nothing. I worked till 1900 on 
my report of operations - a very tedious business but necessary and, I

September 9, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

Hope, useful. We had a movie, "Tortilla Flats" at the Palace and it was quite amusing.

         I can now chin myself five and a half times and do it three times a day. 

September 10, 1943

         This morning I received a letter from E.C. Hughes, Commanding General NATOUSA, stating that the Seventh Army had been accused of the following crimes:

         a. Using prisoners to unload ships;
         b. Driving prisoners of war with artillery whips; 
         c. Using prisoners to clear minefields; 
         d. Unethical shooting of prisoners;

         I replied as follows:

         a. We did unload ships with prisoners, as no hazard was involved and they were removed from the boat whenever the yellow alert went on. Furthermore, since the ships had to be unloaded, I would violate any rules to keep the Army supplied with ammunition. 

         b. Some guards at our prisoner of war camp in Palermo were quartered in a former Italian Field Artillery barracks, in which were stored a number of FA driving whips. These whips are made out of twisted willow, covered with black leather, and make a very handsome swagger stick. The soldiers naturally adopted them for this purpose, but when General Keyes, on inspecting the installation, noted them, they were turned in and replaced with night sticks.

         It is of interest to note that no American soldier, no matter with what he us equipped, would ever stick a prisoner. The greatest criticism we have of our troops is that they fraternize too much with prisoners. 

September 10, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

       c. Early in the campaign I issued orders on the advice of the Seventh Army Judge Advocate that the terms of any surrender would include the removal of mines. This is, in my opinion, legal. So far as I know, this order was seldom if ever used. 

       d. On the 15th of July, it was reported to me that a Captain and a Sergeant had shot some prisoners without proper justification. I had the matter investigated. The sergeant has been tried and convicted, and I have asked for the return of the Captain from Africa to stand trial.

       Note: At the time this shooting occurred, the enemy was booby trapping our dead with the result that when burial parties went to pick up our own men for burial they were blown to pieces. Also we were being sniped from the rear by enemy troops after we had passed through them. Naturally such actions do not tend to produce a feeling of brotherly love towards an enemy who so wantonly murdered our troops. 

       Hughes suggested that if I desired he would send his Provost Marshal General over to investigate. I telegraphed him to do so.

       Sometimes I almost believe that there is a deliberate campaign to hurt me; certainly it is hard to be victimized for winning a campaign. Hap thinks the cousins are back of it because I made a fool of Monty.

       I am leaving for Bizerte at 1300 to see General Alexander, as General Eisenhower requested I should talk to him and explain that my method of command is totally different from that of the British in that I am more vocal.

       Got to Bizerte at 1415. General Lemnitzer met me and we drove to Alex's headquarters. He was waiting for me and took me to see

September 10, 1943 (cont'd p.3)
the Italian battle fleet sail by on the way to Tunis. It was quite impressive - two big battleships (there had been three, but the Germans sank one with dive bombs), seven cruisers and a number of destroyers. Ike and Sir Andrew Cunningham were out in a destroyer looking at them. Kay was on the hill with us - she must be a most necessary driver. There were a great many jokes among the British officers to the effect that the ships passing us were ghost ships, since the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy had definitely sunk them all on various occasions. For sunken ships they were doing very well.     

         Alex took me to his map room and explained the situation in Italy, which is not too good. The Fifth Army has just a toe-hold, but our 36th Division is farther in than the British. Alex said that while he did not wish to appear pessimistic, he thought that the situation might be called critical, largely due to lack of craft. He further said that the parade, reported by BBC, of 300 craft in the channel was ill-timed as it would let the Russians say we could cross the Channel if we wanted to, and that we were yellow, ..."which perhaps we are.." (Alex.)    Alex told me also that the Germans and Russians are actually conducting negotiations now, but that the Russian terms are too hard. Nice people. 

         When I landed at Palermo I found that Mr. Norman Davis, of the Red Cross, had just landed. I asked him and his party to dinner. He impresses me a lot and is very pro-American, which is a relief. Ike has not fooled him.   

September 11, 1943
The Cardinal's Secretary came to see me at 1100, asking a few 
reasonable favors. He is a very clever man. The Cardinal sees 400 
supplicants a day. Alex says that he missed being Pope by one vote.
The Archbishop also called on me at noon. He is clever and I 
think speaks English but does not admit it. I could be elected Pope 
if I ran in Sicily. 
I forgot to state that I told Alex I regretted not being calm 
like he is, and he said he thought that the British are too calm, and 
that it is a recent development; that when they were less calm they 
fought better. At 1400 Mr. Davis, self and staff made a tour of all 
the Red Cross installations, which are excellent. Then Mr. Davis 
made a speech presenting them to the U.S. Army and Navy. I replied 
in what everyone said was one of my best speeches to date. All the 
soldiers cheered a lot. Mr. Davis thought it was a good speech. 

September 12, 1943
Went to airport at 0900 to see Mr. Davis off and gave him a 
nice piece of tapestry ($45.00) ; also a bunch of flowers to Mrs. 
Stevenson, head woman librarian. Gen Lucas came to lunch and we went 
sailing. Went to supper with Captain Dothy of the Navy and Red 
Cross women. A Mrs. Hart who used to be at Riley and says she is a  
friend of Ruth Ellen's, was there. Her husband was killed in the 
Phillipines. 

September 13, 1943
Went flying in a cub. After a couple of landings with pilot I 
soloed and did fairly well. On the way back 24 Italian planes passed
 on their way to surrender.

September 13, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

         Had radio from Alex at 1730. "Situation at 'Avalanche' critical. Do all you can to expedite follow-up" This is being done. The question is not getting follow-up to the beach but getting boats to load them in.

          Ridgeway also wired that the 82d is flying in reinforcements tonight - things are looking up. (General Dillon, Provost Marshal of AFHQ. came to tell me all my sins against the Geneva Convention. I was very nice to him and he spent an hour telling Gay how good he (Dillon) is.) I suggested that he talk to the Archbishop on the treatment, said to be inhuman, of the Italian prisoners, because when I first arrived here, I had requested the Archbishop to visit all prison.  camps and had provided him with passes, not only for himself, but for local priests, and told him that if he found anything adverse to the Italians he was to let me know. Dillon talked with him and apparently the Archbishop did his stuff. He told Dillon that I have been like a father to the Italian prisoners, so that probably cleans up the allegations about my unnecessary roughness. Well, that hurdle is past.  

September 14, 1943

         Things are going worse with the Fifth Army. Last night they flew in a regimental combat team of the 82d Airborne to help out. It is noteworthy that when I asked similar assistance last month, I was told that the 82d was too valuable to be wasted as infantry. Fortunately we won the fight without them. Our 3d Division starts to go over to Italy tomorrow. I trust they do not arrive too late. I|guess Clark needs them badly as he is on the defensive. Truscott went over this afternoon in a torpedo boat. Keyes and I went to see him off and   

September 14, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

he told me he is 2000 men short, in spite of having asked Ike personally for replacements. He also told me that Ike said to him that I am the only General who can inspire men to conquer. This is very nice of Ike but I wish he would give me a chance to do some more conquering. Why did I not go to Italy?  But perhaps my luck is still holding - I feel sure it is. 

September 15, 1943

         Had dinner with General Rennell 1 , Alex and Lemnitzer last night, on their way to investigate the situation in Italy. Things are in a critical state at "Avalanche". They were seriously talking about the possibility of having to withdraw. The Germans attacked on the 14th down the Sele River just as I told Gruenther they would and they have apparently cut the X Corps and the VI Corps in two. The only comfort I get out of it is the fact that my military judgment was proved correct. I hope they can stop them - a withdrawal would hurt our prestige and surely prolong the war. Forgot to say that when Keyes and I went to the ship to see Truscott off, I told him to see whether or not is is possible to shorten the front, use the X Corps to hold, and attack with the Americans. We must attack or it will become a second Gallipoli. Two Marines who were here yesterday told me that on D Day the LST they were in was under machine gun fire while beached to unload. They also said that a British Brigade were in bivouac on the beach at dusk on D. Day. Will they never learn? 

12:15: Just saw a dispatch from Navy in which it seems that Clark has re-embarked. I consider this a fatal thing to do. Think of the effect on the troops - a commander, once ashore, must conquer or die. The dispatch read as follows:

         1.                                             ?

September 15, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

         "Military situation continues unsatisfactory. Depth of beachhead narrowing and group forces now taking defensive. Fatigue existing. Drive about two miles wide penetrated deep salient Sele River between X and VI Corps. Naval gunfire being employed break up enemy. Tank offensive reported three miles from beach. Plans being devised with Army to (A) embark Army Headquarters with principal elements to Hilary and (B) Employ all available craft in assault area to transfer troops from southern area to northern area or vice versa. Unloading of MT store ships in southern area has been stopped preparatory to possible withdrawal and store ships placed on half hour steaming notice preparatory to moving seaward beyond range of shore artillery. ANCON ordered Palermo stand by for call resume duty as Headquarters ship. Naval implications of general situation suggest employment of heavy air bombardment and naval bombardment by major vessels behind enemy positions. Are heavy naval forces available? From: Ncutf"

September 16, 1943

         Truscott got back last night and says that situation is o.k. He feels that the British and Americans fought badly, that Clark split up units like a map problem but that actually the Germans had very few troops and were just bluffing. Went for a sail with Nick Campanole. 

September 17, 1943

         Ike came in by plane at 0750 on his way to visit Fifth Army. Clark wants to relieve Dawley 1 from the VI Corps but needs Ike to hold his hand. I urged Ike to let Keyes have Dawley's place, or if Lucas got that, to let Keyes have II Corps. I told Ike I was willing to fight a corps under Clark. I would serve under the Devil to get a fight. He said Clark and I were not soul mates so he could not do it. When I first heard that Ike was coming I thought it might be to relieve Clark, but no such luck. I am to go to England and get an Army, probably under that victorious soldier, Jake Devers. Destiny had better get busy.

         Asked Ike not to reduce 1st Division any more to fill up the 9th. The 1st is now 3,000 short, the 9th 2500. It is perfectly criminal the

         1. Maj Gen E.J. Dawhey 
 

September 17, 1943 (cont'd P.2) 
way Ike neglects to provide or bring up replacements. Replacements are the thing. This condition must in the last analysis rest on the shoulders of the AFHQ. We could be easily filled up if some of the 100,000 odd SOS troops doing nothing in the vicinity of Oran were turned into Infantry. The only promise I got was that the 1st Division should not be further reduced. Ever since the first part of December 1942, I have repeatedly asked by letter and orally that more troops be brought to Africa and that replacements be made available. Yet in every case there have been no replacements and no more troops and in every case I have been told by many members of the staff at AFHQ that they could not interfere with their sailing schedules. Sailing schedules which do not provide fighting troops are perfectly useless.  I am convinced that some day a serious investigation will take place with respect to the culpable negligence shown by the staff of AFHQ in failing to keep General Eisenhower informed of shortages, and in failing to supply those shortages. The trouble as far as I know rests at the door of G-3, who, being a non-combat soldier, considers troops in units rather than as individuals. 

September 18, 1943

         Orders came through for Lucas to report to Fifth Army, I think in replacement for Dawley, who is apparently the ram that Abraham has found need of in place of Isaac...(the good old Jewish custom)....and for Keyes to command the II Corps. I was delighted, but at supper time a second message from Beedle Smith came saying that Keyes was to be in "temporary" command. I smell a coon. Arther Wilson came to supper full of life and lies, but very amusing. He swears that 

September 18, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

Clark got his job due to the effort of Jews in the U.S. and that Clark's mother made speeches in favor of it. I think I will run on the colored tickets. Lucas was at supper and was quite blue about going. I am certaily sorry to see him go. He is a fine soldier and a good friend. 

September 19, 1943

        Was going to have lunch with Campanole and some French people but the party got too big, so I quit. We are to have a party for the Red Cross tonight at 7:30. Keyes gave me an Italian officer's dagger, which I like very much.

September 20, 1943

         For some reason all our recommendations for the DSM seem to be turned down by AFHQ. This morning we got a turn down on Bradley and Truscott. It is very strange that the recommendation for an Oak Leaf Cluster for Bradley was turned down, while for exactly the same act he was given an Army. Similarly, Truscott was turned down for an Oak Leaf Cluster for a superlative act far in advance of that for which he got the DSM originally in Western Africa.

         Already Muller, Davidson, and others have been turned down. Gay's paper had yet to be returned. Decorated Colonel P.H. (Paddy) Flint and three lieutenants and six enlisted men at 1000; three DSC's, three Legion of Merit, two Silver Stars, two Soldier's Medals. Finished notes on Sicilian Campaign.

September 21, 1943

         Gay's recommendation for the DSM came back disapproved. They gave him an Oak Leaf Cluster on his Legion of Merit, yet Gruenther got a DSM for organizing the headquarters of the Fifth Army before it had ever been in action at all. Gaffey got the DSM for being Chief of Staff in Tunisia,

September 21, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
which he deserved, but which is much less of a show than this one in Sicily. I know that Ike and Smith do not think much of Gay, but actions speak louder than words. I wrote Hughes a personal letter to see if he could find out what is going on. I did not mention that I had got nothing for Sicily except a reprimand for doing my plain duty to a couple of cowards, while every British officer of any rank has been decorated. Of course I realize I did my duty in a very tactless way, but so long as my method pleased the God of Battles I am content.
September 22, 1943
         General Dawley came in this morning on his way home. He was most manly and restrained. I gather that there was constant interference and vacillation on the part of Clark, and near duplicity on the part of Gruenther. I also think that Dawley lacked drive and that McGreery of the X British Corps complained that Dawley did not keep him informed. I forgot to ask if he kept Dawley informed - I doubt it. 

         Took a trip with Muller and others, including Codman, by special car over the railroad to Comiso via Caltanissetts, Licata, Gela. Lt. Colonel Fred W. Okie, (Mrs. Gaddis' eldest son) 1 commands the railroad battalion and has done a splendid job. He was a legion of Merit and a soldier's Medal. I liked him. We had a peep in the plane which met us at the railroad station and took us to the field. We then loaded it back into the plane and the pilot went back in the C47 in thirty minutes. It took six hours on the train. 

         The trip over the railroad was extremely interesting, and unnecessary precautions were taken for my safety in that we were preceded and followed by pilot trains and when we stopped for lunch, sentinels

                     1. Mrs. Gaddis           ?      H.

September 22, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

mysteriously evolved from out of the bushes. However, it is very pleasing to see that your own men think so much of you - the rest can go to hell.

September 23, 1943 

         Finally finished my notes on the Sicilian operation. I removed every point which to me is not provable, but expect certain reactions from the air and the navy. Went out for a fly but the air was too rough. Inspected Ordnance Shop where they re reconditioning captured weapons. They are doing a really fine job. I was distressed to see how many American Arms are being picked up for salvage, especially rifles. However, there were also quite a few British weapons. I picked up some old weapons and also some ancient guns which I shall send home. Went to a tea with some upper middleclass Italians.  Women very fat.

September 24, 1943

         Inspected ordnance automotive shops and called on Admiral Hewitt. We had a fairly good Retreat Formation, which I attended. Weather horrid, warm and muggy.

September 25, 1943

         Admirals Hewitt and Louis Mountbatten came to dinner and later we had a private movie, which, for a change, was very good. It was "The Life of George M. Cohan".  

September 26, 1943

         Gay and I went to the English Church for an American chaplain's service and there was quite a large crowd. The Church is very pretty, but the fleas are bad. Practically every soldier in the congregation took communion, which is quite a remarkable thing. 

September 26, 1943(cont'd P.2)
 
         Campy, Codman and I went to supper with some Italian people at a/little villa by the sea. It was very pretty and we danced to a cracked victrola and ate many horrible things. At least we killed off another day of uncertainty. I am getting awfully fed up. 

September 27, 1943

         The Chief Monument Tender took me over the Palace about which he knows very little. However, the vault where the Norman Kings kept their gold was interesting. It is a double stone room built one within the other and resting on the native rock. In the room are five holes, one in each corner abut ten feet deep and four feet across, and one in the center about fifteen feet square. This is probably where they put their vases and other things. the entering arrangements are very peculiar and the relics of them are still visible. There is a double door with a short vestibule between. When you open the outer door, the inner door shuts. Then when you open the inner door, the outer door shuts, so that at no time can anyone from the outside see in. 

         Sent off my notes on the Sicilian Campaign - quite good. Mr. Stimson wrote me a very nice letter. 

September 28, 1943

         Huebner and Eddy both came to lunch and we had a pleasant time they are both good soldiers. Spent a long time reading the papers in the trial of Colonel Mason, under the 95th Article of War, for having his Provost Marshal provide whores conveyed in a Government vehicle. I fear that due to a clever defense counsel, the case may not stand up. He wrote me a letter requesting that I talk to him,
         


September 28, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
which I did, but there is nothing that can be done in the case. In fact he is getting off easy as he should have been kicked out of the Army and would have been, had he not had a very clever counsel. As it is, he is reduced to his permanent grade and kept at the foot of the major's list for a year, in addition to being fined $1,000. Got a letter from Lucas in Italy. Apparently the X Corps, British, is lagging behind him. Mixed armies will not work - I think they are a British scheme to gain command. All their army commanders are four-star, so they will always rank us. I have a hunch that the Russians and Germans have some sort of agreement and that the Battle of Russia will stop along the Polish Border. That will release 100 German divisions to attack us in Italy. 

September 29, 1942

         Was very ill the night and felt badly all day with a little fever. Secretary Knox came at 1500 so Hewitt and I had to meet him  . Later I dined on the ANCON. Butcher was in the party and told me that General Marshall may go to UK as Commanding General of the Allies, in which case Ike will be Chief of Staff. He did not say who will follow Ike. Ihope it will be Hughes. Butcher said Ike would prefer to stay in Africa and has told General Marshall so. Ike has recommended me to command an army in UK. I knew that and can't see how he could have done otherwise. I have been very successful three times. Clark is having his first trial and to date has gone very slowly. General Marshall cussed Ike out for it. Butcher says that the British are deliberately trying build Monty as the hero of the war. That is why they are not too fond of me. One British    

September 29, 1943 (cont'd p.2)

General said to Lemnitzer, "George is such a pushing fellow that if 
we don't stop him he will have Monty surrounded." I know I can outfight 
the little fart any time. 

September 30, 1943
         Feel fine this morning. General P.L. Williams 1 , Air Corps, called to 
pay requests at 1500. Talked to Maddox, Harkins and Gay on future 
plans as learned by Maddox at 15th Army Group. X Corps, British, to 
revert to Eighth Army, 82d Airborne Division to be withdrawn from Fifth 
Army, no present intention to use 2d Armored, 1st or 9th Divisions in 
Italy. Seventh Army relieved 15th Army Group 3rd October to AFHQ. 
Commander-in-Chief to restate his authority, as Navy and Air seem to 
have been running wild. It would have been better if Ike had slowly 
squeezed, rather than let them get loose. All of this staff have 
thought this for nine months. Butcher went on to Italy with Knox. 
We had a party at Mondello by some Italian people there. Very nice - 
self, Keyes, Gay, Campy, and Codman. Air raid warning at midnight. 
Nothing came of it. 

October 1, 1943  
         Went to airport to see Secretary Knox off. Keyes showed me his 
reply to Ike's letter to him. I put the copy of Keyes' letter, with 
Ike's letter in the diary as it is a very curious document in which 
he warns Keyes against doing all the things he, himself, always does, 
although I am sure he does not realize it. 

October 2, 1943

         Just saw a wire that John A Crane, Gar Davidson and Ankhorn 2
have been promoted. I am delighted, as I was their backer, and in
1. Brig Gen P.L. Williams Top. Carrier Civil.
2. Brig Gen C M Auk horn

October 2, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
the case of Ankhorn, was told by Smith that he would never be made, 
due to a marital lapse years ago. With the record of Chamberlain, 
Bradford and Ridgeway as a precedent, I could not see any reason for 
his being overlooked. Besides we are promoting them for what they 
are doing and not for what they did.
Adolph Menjou called at 0930 and told me how great he was; also 
said something interesting if true. While he was in England he heard 
the Prime Minister say in reply to "What sort of a General is Montgomery?" - 
"In defeat he is magnificent; in success impossible." Much 
of Monty's ability to get his own way with Alex is due to the legend - 
built up by Monty - that if anyone crosses him, he writes direct to 
the Prime Minister. I wonder?
October 3, 1943
Gay and I dined with Admiral Davidson and he showed me a news 
item that I am now a permanent Major General. 1 I am very tickled and 
hope it is true. Gay and I flew to Termini and were met by Keyes 
and Eddy. Then we drove to the 39th Infantry and decorated 81 men. 
It was most impressive and very well done. The whole look of the men, 
especially their eyes and mouths, has changed. They|have looked at 
death and laughed. Had a very swell lunch with Eddy.
October 4, 1943
Much mail and clippings and candy. Have to start walking again, 
much as I hate it.
October 5, 1943
Gay and I lunched with Keyes at Headquarters II Corps and before 
lunch I met all the staff and made them a short talk. At 5:00 I went 
1. It was a mistake - B.A.P.

October 5, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
to tea with Princess San Martino at a really beautiful chateau built early in 1700. It is square with a circular court at the rear composed of all the servants' quarters. It has been in the family - Bourbons - all the time. The Princess has a heavy black beard which she shaves. She is very fat and talks as loud as she can about "my first husband, the Prince. This little one is a professor - he is my second." The Princess says the house has never been repaired. This, if true, is remarkable, as the house is in very fine shape. I intend to fly over it and take a picture of it. 

         There were about a dozen upper-crust people present and it was very nice, except that a famous pianist was there who insisted on playing me things in D minor, which were terrible to hear. Codman said that they were not very well played.

         The people who came to tea are exactly the same sort you would meet in Boston or New York and talked about the same things. 1

         They had a dark, rich cake.

October 6, 1943

         Keyes came to lunch with his staff, or some of them, and took off for Italy at 1300. I hate to see him go, as anyone who serves under Clark is always in danger. I told Geoff to be careful - never to mention the Seventh Army and to always win. I wish something would happen to Clark. Had a very nice radio from Ike on being recommended for a permanent Major General and also a letter from Hughes and, by coincidence, a letter from President Roosevelt thanking me for a map I sent him He threatens to make me Dukeof Etna.

          1. See letter to B.A.P.
          

October 7, 1943

         The local Carabinieri had a show for me and let me use their riding hall under the palace. They put on a very good drill. If I can ride daily my exercise problem will be solved. I can ride during lunch and so will not have to eat.

October 8, 1943

         Harkins and I decided that in order to keep the staff alive we would start a theoretical study on an amphibious attack based on Corsica against either Marseilles, Toulon, Genoa or Leghorn. It is too bad not to fight adjacent to these places in the relatively warm winter months. We could start with the 1st, 9th and 2d Armored and have a convoy from the U.S. with two more divisions arrive D plus 1 and a second similar convoy on D plus 30. I think I could hold on. Ike's folly in not getting more troops over here sticks out again. He bogs down on the supply question, but in combat, troops perform the impossible and the supply must also. We are not putting out more than 30% of our potential power. 

October 9, 1943

         Started to write up some DSC citations in an interesting form so they can be published. 1

           1.   Only two men ever saw the inspiring possibilities of these citations; J.F.X. Finn, President of Childs Co., who put local citations in the windows of his restaurants, and Dermot A. Nee, a Washington merchant, who personally bought radio time and used them in a patriotic program, "War With Words"  -  B.A.P.

October 10, 1943

         It rained all day. In the afternoon I drove to Pino de Greco some 20 miles southwest of Palermo. It is an original Greek colony dating from about 500 BC. The people talk Greek and have a Greek church and are exceedingly dirty.

October 11, 1943

         Got an order today to send the 1stDivision to the UK beginning on the 19th. I feel that this is the height of folly. Clark has only the 3d, 9th, 34th, 36th and 82d Airborne Divisions. He will soon lose the 82d. Monty has only 5 divisions - total for the two armies of Nine. Five German Divisions face them and there are three more on the west coast south of Rome and Nineteen more in [northern] Italy. As soon as the Germans are sure that the 1st, and later the 9th, are leaving Sicily, they will move the three divisions south of Rome to face Clark and Monty. Nine divisions cannot advance at any speed, if at all, against eight. The Germans can rest half their divisions. The Allies, if they continue to advance, can rest none. If the Russians stop or are stopped, more German divisions will come to Italy. There can well be a disaster but hardly an Allied victory. I don't get the picture at all. I feel that I am lucky not to be in Clark's place.

         Of course it may be that higher authorities have information which I do not possess, and I hope they have.

October 12, 1943

         Bea sent me some more paper for my diary.
         Received a radio from Alexander in reply to one I sent him when the Seventh Army was relieved from his command. "Personal from General Alexander to General Patton. Thank you so much for your exceedingly nice messages, which I greatly appreciate. I can assure you and your 

October 12, 1943( cont'd p.2)
grand soldiers that I consider myself fortunate to have had the privilege, honor and may I say pleasure to have had under my command such a famous commander and his army. My dearest hope is that we will be associated together again.  The best of luck to you all."

October 13, 1943

         Called on the 63d Topographical Engineer Company today to congratulate them on their fine work in printing the report of the Seventh Army. On the way, a Sicilian cart pulled into the car and we broke the shafts and spilled the old couple, but did not hurt them. However, although it was their fault, I had Campy pay for repairing the cart. I also had the surgeons examine them to prove they were not hurt. I personally paid for the broken shafts.

October 14, 1943

         Flew to Gela (East) airfield and met General Clift Andrus 1 by appointment. He took me over the east half of the battlefield of July 11 and 12th. The first thing which struck me is the fact that Terry Allen, through ignorance, had entirely misrepresented the position of his infantry to me on the morning of July 11th. They were four miles further south than he said. I rather think he was mistaken or had failed to get reports. The next thing was the utter stupidity of the German attack. They sent forty tanks down the Gela valley at about forty miles an hour without artillery support and with no infantry present. They must have been very ignorant of the strength of our landing. At that they nearly won - we had great luck in stopping them; in fact, they turned back with a loss of only 14 out of

      1. Brig Gen Clift Andrus - Asst Divm Cmdr. 1st Div
                                                     in Sicilian landings

October 14, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
of between 40 and 50. Had they waited behind some little hills just north of the Gela-Ragusa Road till their infantry had captured our observation post, nothing could have stopped them. Ny ancient contention that the [e]way to beat tanks is to destroy their tracks was clearly borne out - every Mark IV I saw had first been stopped with a hit in the tracks. 

         I feel sure that a green division would have broken when the tanks came, but the veteran 1st Division stood its ground. It is noteworthy that in the initial plan, the 36th Division was to have attacked at Gela, and I had a hard time getting AFHQ to let me substitute the 1st. As usual God was on my side.

         The weather is bad and we got very wet and muddy. Still no news or even rumor as to what is in store for the Seventh Army.
         I know we are not pushing hard enough. We should have four more divisions in Africa and be using them in Italy right now, near Genoa or Leghorn. We push like hell and then rest. To win one must keep up constant pressure all the time.

October 15, 1943

         Went up to see the field of the last fight for Palermo. Going to Algiers in the morning.

October 16, 1943

         Left for Algiers at 0800 arriving 1130 after a fairly rough trip. Stayed with Hughes, had teeth cleaned in the afternoon. General Kenyon A. Joyce came to lunch and we had a nice talk.

         Ike, Kay, Mrs. Presnall 1, Hughes and I had dinner. After dinner Ike gave a long monologue on himself and his early training. He then said I was always acting a part, that it was probably due to

         1. Mrs Presnell Secretary Gen Hughes.

         

October 16, 1943(cont'd p.2)
my having an inferiority complex. This amused me a lot and I agreed. 
The truth is that I have too little of such a complex - in fact I look 
down my nose at the world and too often let them know it. Later Hughes 
and I were talking it over and he said, "Ike's trouble is that he is 
not humble." He also said that since Ike does not dare to cuss out or 
criticize the British, he has to take it out on the Americans and that 
the better he knows a man the more he preaches to him.
General Joyce told me, however, that Ike had talked much about me 
in a most complimentary way, in front of him, Morgenthau 1, Harriman 2 and 
a lot of British.
Hughes asked me if I got my Legion of Merit for Sicily.  I said 
"No, I got it for organizing the 2d Armored Division", and he made a 
note of this. He also told me that Ike had personally turned down the 
DSM for Gay but that he would get it by some day. Ike asked me to have 
Huebner recommend Wyman 3 for promotion - pure favoritism. Rogers 4 and 
de Rohan 5 should get it first.
October 17, 1943
Hughes left at 0800 and will come to Palermo on Monday. I called 
on Admiral Cunningham, now First Sea Lord, and met his successor of the 
same name who is also a fine looking man. However, it continues to rile 
me that all the commands go to the British. It seems to me that Hewitt 
should have replaced Cunningham, although far from being the same calibre 
of man.
1. Sec. of the Treas. Henry Morganthau
2. Mr. Avarill Harriman - Ambassador to Russia
3. [Brig] Gen W.G. Wyman C/S 1st Inf. Div.
4. Col. Arthur Rogers 3rd Inf Div -
5. Col de Rohan 9th Inf Div.

October 17, 1943
Hughes suggested that I fly Mrs. Pressnal back with me so I did, and we had her to supper and put her up with the Red Cross.
October 18, 1943
         Secretary Morganthau, Dr. White 1 , Mr. Thompson, 2 Captain Warburg 3 , Colonel Foley and Captain Bernstein 5 arrived by airplane under the escort of General Hughes. We had aGuard of honor and took them to lunch. After lunch showed them the Palace and Chapel. Then the Secretary, White and Thompson sat in my office and questioned General McSherry on Amgot. His questions were very incisive but to me he seemed mentally slow in getting the answers. This may be due to the fact that the thing is wholly new to him. Later I showed him the work at the Ordnance Depot and he was very anxious to get a lot of German equipment  to use in his bond-selling campaign. I then took him for a trip around the harbor. He really seemed anxious to save money for the United States and he is not pro-Britain. Generally I was very favorably impressed with hm. Hughes and I had a long intimate talk after supper. 
October 19, 1943

         The Secretary Spent the morning with Amgot. After lunch I took him to see the Cathedral at Monreale. He showed surprising historical ignorance and left for Naples at 1500. Dr. White, who is a non-aryan, is very clever and a dreamer , damned near a communist.

          1.
          2.
          3. 
          4.
          5.

October 20, 1943
         Flew to headquarters 2d Armored Division. Gaffey and I drove to Segesta to see some Greek ruins. The temple there is the best I have ever seen. Only the roof is missing and all the columns are in place. They are built of small stones, instead of cut out of two or three large ones, and to the eye no two of them seem exactly the same size. Years ago Mr. Bliss, our minister, told me that the lines of the base of the Parthenon are not straight but curved. At the temple we put a helmet on the steps half way down and could not see it when we sighted level. We then went to see the theater, which is in a fair state of preservation and most interesting. All the top of the hill where it is must have been a city, as it is  covered with cut stones. All the houses were cannibalized by the succeeding generations. The columns at the Cathedral at Monreale came in like manner from a Roman ruin whose builders probably stole them from the Greeks. The temple and theater must be over 2,500 years old, as the Greeks were run out of this part of Sicily in 490 BC by the Carthaginians. I am always tremendously impressed with such apparent age and can almost see the Greeks walking up and down the hill. 
         The 2d Armored Division had a play in Palermo tonight which I attended and later had my picture taken, by request, with the cast. It - the show - was very good. Wrote a farewell letter to the 1st Division which I shall deliver in the morning. 
October 21, 1943
         Flew to Licata and picked up some of the 1st Division, including Colonel J.W. Bowen of the 26th Infantry, then flew to Catania and drove to Syracuse to see Huebner. They leave for UK in the morning. Had lunch on board. Driving from Catania to Syracuse we went over the

October 21, 1943 (cont'd P.2)
line of advance of the British 8th Army. They certainly made fools of themselves in the attack on Catania. They apparently came straight up the road butting their nose into every resistance they could find, although there was ample room on either flank, particularly the west flank, in which to go around, and the country to the west was perfect tank country. When the history of this war is written fifty years hence, General Montgomery will catch hell for being so stupid and so timid. After the British had contracted to move the entire 1st Division, they loaded 1800 women and children from the Middle East on the transports and told us we had to leave 1860 men off, in spite of the fact that we had loaded all their equipment. We kicked like anything and General Hughes and Gay flew to Syracuse on the 18th to see the British about it. They had a telephone appointment with General Clark, British, who is in command there but before they arrived he had gone away for tea. They pursued him to his lair, but his act was wholly inadmissible and demonstrates the fact that the British will take the high hand any time they have an opportunity. However, as a result of the visit, our 1860 men were transported. I took the opportunity of my visit to Syracuse to decorate General Andrus with the DSC, which he richly deserved.
October 22, 1943
         Nothing.
October 23, 1943
         Nothing.
October 24, 1943
         Went to church at a colored Quartermaster Battalion. There were several hundred men present. Each hymn or solo was applauded with 

October 24, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
fervor. one of the hymns was about Jonah and the Whale and they sand it in ragtime. However, I think they were sincere and that my going had a good effect.
      General Joyce came to lunch and will be here for some days. Had McSherry and General Holmes for dinner.
October 25, 1943
      Flew to Comiso with Gay, Williams (Air Force), Maddox and Koch to see some new glider developments for airborne operations. The most important is a parachute which can be released at the rear of the glider to slow it up. This has the effect of an air brake and permits the glider to arrive at approximately the right place on the ground. They have also decided to have the paratroops jump before the gliders are released. The demonstration was well put on. 
      General Ridgeway, 82d Airborne Division, was present and told me that the British X Corps did nothing. He is the second person who has said this. General Spaatz was also there and said things are going too slow in Italy. On returning to office found the following radio: "Commander-in-Chief directs you proceed initially to Algiers as soon as you conveniently do so, accompanied by 3 or 4 senior staff officers of your selection, prepared for a tactical reconnaissance of four to five days in an area to be communicated to you on your arrival. Please wire me date we can expect you signed CINC" This is a somewhat cryptic message but all my operations, starting with the creation of the Desert Training Center, have started the same way. Here's hoping.

October 26, 1943
The 9th Division had a review at Termini East airport for the 
decoration of some officers and men. It was very well done and the 
march-past was fine and I wrote a letter of commendation. Leave for 
Algiers in the morning on question of future activities.
October 27, 1943
Arrived at Algiers at 1155, met by Colonels Muller, Davidson, 
Harkins, Maddox, Koch and Codman came with me. We also gave a ride
to General Joyce, Holmes, Gaffey and two of his staff. Ike had me to
lunch with Beedle Smith, Kay and a nurse. Later Ike and I went to a  
play put on by soldiers, all of whom are professional in civil life. 
They did a fine job. We laughed our heads off and Ike was his old self. 
Beedle Smith told me that I am to get an army in England. He said 
that he had told General Marshall that I am the greatest assualt general 
in the world and should lead the attack. General Marshall agreed 
but said, "I don't trust his staff". Beedle said, "Well, they have 
always succeeded." General Marshall said, "I have been told that in
Sicily the supply was not good. I have my own means of knowing".(that 
means either Wedemeyer or Bradley, or both.1
I told Beedle that I would have to stick to my staff as they had 
stuck to me and that if I fell due to them, It would be too bad. He
agreed and told me how much he admired me. He is such a liar I wonder 
if he ever said that to Marshall. After lunch Smith told me that the 
operation on which I am to embark is a cover plan for the purpose of 
using the prestige of the Seventh Army to draw attention to Corsica 
and that in order to do the thing right we will have to pass through 
Tunis because it is felt that there is a German there who will inform

1. Bradley, I believe. B.A.P.

October 27, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
his people of our proposed trip. This is the end of my hopes for war.
      General Rooks is at last quite worried about lack of troops in Fifty Army. I have been for a long time. It is worse than stupid - it is criminal to send troops out of Sicily, yet they can't be used in England for six months and cannot train there.
       ("Summary of events"to follow here )
October 28 1943
      Flew to Tunis arriving at 1630 and drove through Carthage to a villa. Not a thing to see of the ruins except later Roman ones. The villa belongs to a Mr. Levy, a chin store owner, and is in very good taste, looking right on the sea. It is quite cold here. Keith Merill is in Casa - sorry not to see him. 
October 29, 1943
      Left Tunis at 0800 and flew to Corsica. At 0915 we were over south coast of Sardinia and flew up a wide fertile valley for 45 minutes. I did not see any effects of war. Many of the factories were working - one gets used to destruction very quickly. Had originally planned to leave Tunis at 0900 but decided that it might be well to change the hour so we left at 0800 for Corsica arriving 0915. The Air Force had promised to give us fighter cover from the South, but owing to the fact that we were ahead of time, and due to the difficulty of communications, we had none and went on without it, arriving safely at Ajaccio, the home  of Napoleon. The field was so short that it was necessary to ground-loop in order to stop. I was later informed that at 1015, the hour I was supposed to have arrived, a German JU 88 was overhead circling the field waiting for me, so it was a good thing I left at 0800. No one met us but a Colonel Bradley, British, as we were one hour ahead of time.
   


October 29, 1943(cont'd p.2)
      General Juin, who had accompanied us from Tunis, and I drove at once to General Martin's CP. Martin was the officer who commanded the 4th Morrocan Division at Marrakech. He speaks some English and is very nice. I told him frankly what I was supposed to do and we made a plan to be carried out in the morning.
      Then I had the officers visit the appropriate sections. We all met at General Martin's for lunch at 1300. I took a walk to see Napoleon's statue and a cave he is supposed to have studied in. After lunch we all walked to his house and I touched the bed, or rather couch, he was born on and also saw his bedroom. We then drove to Iles Sanguinaires and climbed to a Genoese watchtower. There are 89 of them around the coast. Apparently people built them and then the government paid them to act as sentinels. One of Napoleon's ancestors built one around 1550. It is quite a thrill to be in Napoleon's home town. 1
October 30, 1943
      Started at 0700 and drove to Bastia,arriving at 1200. A short way out of Ajaccio we were stopped by some very native-looking peasants, one of whom turned out to be General Juin's grandmother. I took some pictures of them, which I fear will be no good, as it was raining. 2.
      Dropped Harkins and Koch at Vivirid to look at some new air fields in vicinity of Aleria on the east coast. We had to stop four times to inspect companies or battalions of "shock troops" made up of Corsican patriots. They have US uniform, French badges and British automatic pistols. Each unit, to include the platoon, is named after its leader rather than to have a number. Unless I am mistaken Napoleon started rather than to have a number. Unless I am mistaken Napoleon started the idea. We inspected a harbor, which is very poor, and saw several 

      1. See letter to B.A.P.
      2.  "         ""       "  "  " 
      

October 30, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
US PT boats tied up and very dirty. The Corsican roads are the narrowest and most dangerous I have yet seen. The whole island is just a mountain and much of it bareback, like the Rockies. Some of the peaks go up to 8,000 feet. It has little value as a base - the harbors are poor, the road system bad and there is no room for installations, but we could use it. General Gar Davidson and I think that the best way to put a harbor out of action is to sink ships half a ships half a ship's length from the quays so as to prevent moving ships in; also to lay mines, say ten feet from the edge of the quays and blow the facing into the water. Having made an ostentatious inspection of the harbor of Bastia we drove to a place called San Martino do Lota where we had a long and deadly lunch and could look across and see Elba through the fog. After lunch we drove to a hogback just east of Florent which was the scene of the chief fight between the French and the Germans. About a regiment on each side was engaged. At the time this fight took place there were 40,000 Italian troops on the island and 8,000 Germans, but the Italians said that they had changed sides too recently to go to war, and most of the Germans were engaged in getting off. One interesting circumstance of the fight was a regiment of Goumiers which was supposed to attack from a high hill and got lost in the fog and attacked in the wrong direction. When they came out of the fog and saw their mistake, they moved back into it, radioing that they would attack in the right direction. They attacked again and again got lost, came under heavy German fire and retreated into the fog for security. From here we drove to Ille Rousse where we spent the night at a really first class hotel.

October 31, 1943
In the morning we made a second ostentatious inspection of the harbor 
and then drove to Calvi, inspecting an airfield on the way. Calvi is 
where Nelson lost his eye. As well as I can remember, he was acting 
chief of staff of a landing operation and the night before they made 
the assault he found out that the French defending the Chateau Calvi 
were twice as numerous as the attacking troops but Nelson felt it was 
no use telling anybody and kept the secret to himself.
The Fort is a very good example of pre-Vaubon Military architecture, 
especially the entrance, which has triple Barbicans and a 
round cobbled approach, where, by the defenders spreading oil, the 
enemy would slip. Calvi is also one of the numerous birthplaces of 
Christopher Columbus. The Mayor showed me his house and also gave me
a book written in Calvi to prove the fact that Columbus was born there. 
Stopped at a resort hotel opened for our benefit, on the south 
side of the Gulf of Porto, where we had a two-hour lunch. Next we 
stopped at a Greek town supposed to have been founded by members of 
the Comnena family, from Constantinople, around 700 AD. The road is 
very beautiful and dangerous, as the French feel that they have done 
their full duty when they blow their horns and then cut the corners. 
Corsica is just as French as France and the people are clean and mentally 
alert.
All the French whom we met were extremely enthusiastic to see 
me and told my staff, but not me, that they hoped they would serve in a 
combined operations under me. The Seventh Army staff, who had never before
seen Frenchmen, were extremely impressed with the fact that they 
use the same methods that we use. The answer is that we copied their 
methods in 1918. [*? casa 1943*]

October 31, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
As a basis of operations against Genoa or Toulon, Corsica would 
be useful only for its flying fields and for, perhaps, two divisions 
for a quick turn around; that is, there are beaches on the northwest 
coast from which we could embark in light craft, one regimental combat 
team every twelve hours. The idea would be to make the initial invasion 
with troops embarked in craft from Africa and then to get a quick turn 
around of less than twenty-four hours for the second echelon by picking 
up troops already emplaced in Corsica. Further, we could put in artillery, 
anti-tanks and other staff which might be needed or not according 
to circumstances. It could also be used for an advanced base for, say 
two weeks' supply of gas, ammunition and rations. For the above purposes,
perhaps five days could be saved. Sardinia should be investigated for 
advance takeoff points; from the air it looks better than Corsica.

Appendices 127=137

November 1, 1943
Left Ajaccio at 0800, landed at Tunis at 1010. We had French 
fighter cover as far as the south edge of Sardinia; that is, two Spitfires 
flown by French pilots. The fighter cover was really more dangerous than 
useful, as they insisted on flying in lockwing formation with us and 
were not particularly skillful. Left General Juin and his staff at Tunis 
and pulled out from there at 1030, reaching Palermo, thanks to a powerful 
tailwind, at 1135.
General Courtney Hodges 1 arrived at 1615 and we had a Guard of 
Honor for him. After supper I had a long talk with him. He apparently 
is less dumb than I had considered him, and talks very violently about
his disciplinary actions. When he was in command at Benning, he certainly
Maj Gen Courtney Hodges C.G. 1st US Army

November 1, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
certainly failed to show any such spirit. However, I am personally 
very fond of him.
November 2, 1943
Hodges and I flew to San Stefano in cubs, then took a car and 
drove to Brolo. I explained the battles and he was interested and 
asked intelligent questions. We had a staff meeting at 1430 to discuss 
Corsica and decide on future plans for its use. Took Hodges to
see Ordnance Depot and look at captured equipment.
One point which Hodges brought out which had not occurred to me 
was that in the last war the Germans always defended the lower slopes 
while in this war they defend from the heights. The only reason for 
this that occurs to me is that when they defend from the lower slopes, 
they are more determined to stick, but when they are using delaying 
actions, they are only using the heights, as it is easier to get out. 
Hodges was also very much impressed that, in every case, we had used 
maneuver rather than frontal attack. I had more satisfaction in taking 
him over the ground than anyone else I have so far met.
Admiral Davidson came to say goodbye. He took a bronze shield 
home for me. General Joyce called. He is staying with McSherry and
I asked him to dinner.
November 3, 1943
Hodges left for Naples at 1000. Butcher, General Nichols (British) 
and party arrived in Beedle Smith's plane at 1230 to take me to Naples. 
On the 27th Hap/told Smith I would like to go, so he stopped for me, or his 
plane did. He is on a cruiser that will arrive tomorrow. It was very 
interesting to fly by the side of Vesuvius and see it actually smoking. 
General Pence 1 , SOS, took Nichols and myself to his house.

1. Brig Gen A.W. Pence.

November 4, 1943
      In the morning, Pence, Nichols and I drove around the port, where a really great job of salvage has been done, using all the methods originally evolved by the Navy and the Engineers, first at Casablanca and later at Palermo. I was trying to locate Beedle Smith, who was coming ashore, but failed to do so, so drove to the headquarters of the Fifth Army and from there got a peep in which I visited the headquarters of the VI Corps and saw General Lucas. He was in fine spirits and delighted to see me. He thinks that because the troops are tired they are asking for far too much artillery support and it is getting them into bad habits because in a general fight on a large scale we will not have sufficient artillery superiority to provide them with what they are asking for.
      I fear he is right. If troops are kept at it too long they lose their dash and simply claw up after the guns. When we will have fewer guns they won't move at all. Saw Clark on the way back. He was quite cordial and is evidently having trouble with the British, who simply don't fight. Their men are braver than ours but their officers have no push. Clark said, "There is a very narrow margin between a successful and an unsuccessful general. I was almost pushed into the sea." In my opinion no general in a landing operation must be pushed into the sea. He must either die or sty there. Clark's command post, although it is in the woods, is a 2 1/2 hour drive from the leading division. He might just as well, and it would be more comfortable, be in Naples. 

      Both his maps and that of his Chief of Staff show the position of troops down to battalions. This is bad as it tempts people to  

November 4, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
deal in battalions instead of army corps. Last night I called Keyes on the phone and he came to see me. He has not been in action yet. Called John Crane on the phone today to congratulate him on second star, which I got him.
November 5, 1943
      Drove to Pompeii - a very interesting sight and lives up to all that I had expected. Vesuvius scowls down on it as it has for more than 2,000 years.
      Drove from there to headquarters 3d Division and saw Totten 1, Gearhart, Baehr2 and Truscott. The latter is fed up with the campaign and with Clark and his staff because they keep meddling with him and because both he and his men are battle weary. He is very anxious to be with me in the next show I go in. I would like to have him as a Corps Commander. He and Keyes would be a fine pair. Middleton could do a job in such a team, using him as a wheel-horse with two flashy players on the flanks. I hope I have the opportunity to get such a combination some day.
      On the way home we got caught in an air attack on Naples. All the trucks stopped and the men took cover - it was disgusting. We kept on driving and had the misfortune to go through a recent shell crater, but it was not deep. Finally we got into the middle of town and could proceed no further, due to the smoke screen which was going up. While we were sitting and waiting,pieces of AA shell kept striking the pavement looking like fireflies. Eventually I got to dinner with General Robertson (British) who is General Eisenhower's representative. General Gale and Beedle Smith were also present. 
      1. Maj. J.W. Totten, Gen. Patton's son-in-law
      2.
      3.
      4. Lt Gen Sir H.M. Gale (Bv.) 

November 5, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
Smith is certainly an s.o.b. of the finest type, selfish, dishonest and very swell-headed.
November 6, 1943
      Went shopping in the morning and spent $400.00 but got some nice presents. 1 Flew to Bari to see Alex but he was held up by weather so I missed him. Returned to Palermo.
November 7, 1943
      One year ago today the war started [for us in Africa]. In some ways it seems much longer; in others, only yesterday. However, I have grown in stature, in poise, in self-confidence and in self-control very much. Further, now I trust no one; that is, no human being. I have used every opportunity I've had to the full and see no reason to change what I did. Had I to do it over again, in view of my present knowledge of the British, I would not have obeyed the order I got on April 7, 1943 to pull back after we broke through at El Guettar. I was too good a soldier that time. Had I told Brigadier Holmes, Alex's G-3, to go to hell when he phoned me the order and demanded to speak to Alexander, I could have stayed and America would have gotten more credit. The final result would not have been affected. However, as a result of that experience, I/refused to stay put on July 17th and made Alex let me start to take Palermo, though he was much opposed to my doing it. Live and learn.
November 8, 1943
      We had Generals Eddy and Gaffey, Colonels Perry [2], Barth [3] and Flint to a goodbye dinner. In the afternoon I was on the dock looking at the men and letting them see that I did not mind getting wet. There were some colored Quartermaster soldiers who saluted well
      1. shell and coral to suit each one of the family
      2. R.F.Perry G-4. 2nd AD (job)
      3. G.B. Barth Regt Co 9th Div (job)

November 8, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
whenever I passed and finally I called a corporal to me and said "What outfit do you belong to?" He gave a unit, fearing I was going to raise hell about something, and I said, "You are fine soldiers. Tell the men they should be very proud of themselves." I had not taken two steps before they began slapping each other on the back and yelling "Hot dog! Atta boy!" In the first five rape cases we had, one was white and four were negroes. Through a miscarriage of justice the white man only got life and the negroes were hanged. When three more negroes from the battalion were arrested for rape, I put two negro officers on the court. Although the men were guilty as hell the colored officers would not vote death - a useless race. 
November 9, 1943
      Went down to call on Eddy on his ship and tell him goodbye. At Naples a British Brigadier had gotten on for a joy ride and taken the Commanding General's stateroom. Of course Eddy moved him but the act is typical of the race. They have no shame nor modesty and will take all they can get. He seemed quite hurt when Eddy made him get out. General Larkin, Strawbridge1 and [Stewart] Stuart2 came to dinner.
November 10, 1943
      Gerow3 and Gearhart stopped in on the way back from Italy and had lunch. We intended to take a walk in the afternoon but it rained.
November 11, 1943
      One year ago today we took Casa. Now I command little more than my self-respect. General McNair wrote me, "You are the Seventh Army". He was more right than he knew.

      1.
      2. Brig Ge LaR.h Stuart
      3. Maj. Gen L.S. Gerow - 
      

November 11, 1943 (cont'd p.2) 
This reminded me of a story about Ney. In 1812 Napoleon sent an 
Aide back to see how the rearguard was getting on and found Ney 
standing in the middle of the road with a rifle. He asked Ney how 
the rearguard was doing and Ney replied" It is doing very well. I 
am the rearguard."
We went to a Memorial Service at the cemetery at 1100. The 
Chaplain preached a sermon on sacrifice and the usual bull, so as I 
put the wreath at the foot of the flagpole I said, "I consider it 
no sacrifice to die for my country. In my mind we came here to thank 
God that men like these have lived rather than to regret that they 
have died." When the troops marched off I had them play quick time. 
Most of the old crew came to say goodbye, but how few are left! 
At 1900 we had a big reception at the Grand Hotel to celebrate, not 
Armistice Day, but our capture of Casablanca. We had cocktails and 
there was a table for me with a birthday cake.
I made about a two-minute talk, opening it by stating that 
General Eisenhower and General Smith had been invited but could not 
come, but none the less sent their good wishes.
November 12, 1943
In the afternoon had General R.H. Clark, (Air Corps)1 report that, 
due to cutting the food ration to 200 grams per day by Poletti, there 
had been riots at Agrigento and that a Communist uprising is supposed 
to come off on Saturday night. Sicily is not under me for protection 
nor security but under a British Major General Clark. We could not 
locate him. So we told the 5th Field Artillery Group to get up there
1. Brig Gen R.H. Clark.

November 12, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
units of three officers and sixty men, all in half tracks or scout cars; also at least one assault cannon so that if anything happened we could use them to stop trouble. Personally I am of the opinion that most of the trouble in Sicily is due to Poletti. The fact is that he is more interested in governing than in ruling, by which I mean he plays politics instead of commanding. In his favor it should be stated that he has very little power with which to enforce his desires. He should be gotten rid of.
      Walked two miles in twenty-four minutes, fifty-eight seconds.
November 13, 1943
      Gay, Cummings & Campy went to Italy by plane to pick up General Hodges. General Clark (British) called. He is not much excited over the riots. Also some 600 Italian troops landed. They immediately broke ranks and dispersed themselves through the city and were not seen until next day. 
November 14, 1943
      Went to Church. There was to be a gala performance of the Opera at 1500 but Colonel Harkins got word that there was going to be a separatist demonstration and probably an attempt to get me involved, either for or against the movement, so I did not go. I used the arrival of Hodges as an excuse. Merrill Sheperd, Lieutenant in the Navy, called. Hodges and I had a long talk. We both feel that viewed at face value the situation in Italy is bad. Our men are tired and fed up. They are so battle wise that they can appear to attack without doing so and only advance when there is an amazing amount of artillery support. When divisions get like that their value, except for defense, is gone. I can't see why Ike has not asked for many more divisions. I started

November 14, 1943 cont'd p.2)
asking for four more last December and have asked him again and again ever since. With the stabilized fighting Clark is having, we could blood half a dozen green divisions and have them in great shape for a real attack. Both Clark and Gruenther are jumpy. Clark has fired several Aides. I hope that he or Gruenther or both break down, but I don't want the job myself as now it is in a very bad state. Only six fresh divisions could restore it and then only provided that the British would fight. At the moment they show no intention of doing so. There is something very phony about all our British and American efforts. Our strategy seems to be based on votes, not victories.
      It will be just as bad for us to have Russia win the war as it would be for Germany to do so. To be a success and to maintain world peace, the U.S. and the U.S. alone should destroy Germany and Japan and be ready to stop Russia. It is certainly a fact that the British should be gotten out of the Fifth Army and put with their own troops. Hodges noted the same thing which I have remarked that, due to bad psychology at home, our troops have no zest for battle. In World War I this was not true. We wanted to fight and did. In this war the men, who are much better trained and in every way much better soldiers, go in considering themselves martyrs. They fight magnificently but do not fight with any pleasure. We both think this is due to too much security and lack of ballyhoo at home. It is bad!
November 15, 1943
      Saw a secret wire which said, in part, referring to Seventh Army, "The movement of this unit to UK at present time is not desired. It is to be retained in the North African until you are advised
      1. N.B. Due probably to influence of the "sob" press, such as correspondent Ernie Pyle & cartoonist Mauldin. B.A.P.
      

November 15, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
of final decision as to its employment *****Providing of additional 
Corps Headquarters for your theater will be decided on when the
final decision is made as to the disposition of the Headquarters 
Seventh Army." If I had not been made a permanent Major General 
this would look like curtains for me, but I know that I am necessary.
November 16, 1943
Colonel Muller, Colonel Daniel Franklin 1 and I drove east of Termini 
to visit the 9th and 11th Evacuation hospitals. The 11th was the
one I had in the desert. They looked well but there is quite a lot 
of contagious jaundice which seems to be beyond the power of the medical
department to control. 
Decorated some officers and men of 5th Armored Artillery Group 
at 1400. This group will leave for Italy tomorrow or the next day. 
I am certainly sorry to see them go as they have been with me since 
the beginning and have fired over 75,000 rounds in action.
I am quite disturbed about the food situation and about the 
ability of Amgot to handle it. Apparently the natives are getting 
less food than they did under the Facists and they are complaining; 
also they realize that we have no force left with which to control 
them. As I take it they are taking comparing Democracy unfavorably with
Facism. I think that there is plenty of grain in the hills but we 
are not using sufficiently vigorous methods to secure it. I believe 
that if one or two hoarders and black market men were hanged that 
there would be plenty of grain. As it is, there may be a revolt. 
There have been two or three small strikes. One of them told me, 
"All Sicilians are crooks. The trouble with you American s is 
that you think we are not and treat us as if we were not." I
1. Col Daniel Franklin Surgeon 7th Army

November 16, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
spoke to my friend the Cardinal about the hangings and he said, "My friend, I am a priest of God and one of the chief assistants of his Vicar on earth; therefore I cannot approve of the methods which you advocate. However, If I were not what I am, I would approve." 
November 17, 1943
      We got an order at 0130 to send four officers to Algeria today. Great staff work. Since the last plane left at noon, this is impossible, but is an example of the utter stupidity of the orders issued by large inexperienced staffs. 
      I have seldom passed a more miserable day. I have absolutely nothing to do and hours of time in which to do it. From commanding 240,000 men I now have less than 5,000, "Oh, what a fall is here my countrymen!" Well, pretty soon I will hit bottom and then bounce, but I wish this descent would become more rapid. 
      Had dinner with some Italians. They are especially against Poletti, which simply emphasizes what I have already felt about the critical situation which confronts us. Apparently none of these ex-politicians can do anything except play politics, even when playing it among natives. Poletti is a very brilliant man, but does not understand how to govern a conquered people. 
November 18, 1943
      Called in all section chiefs and special staffs, also the Provost Marshal and MP's etc., and told them to get ready for combat with what troops we have but to do it in a way which would not excite attention. All officers and clerks to go armed. I have arranged to re-quip some elements of the 5th Field Artillery Group which have not yet left, and also some of the reconnaissance of the 2d Armored

November 18, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
Division which, while they have turned in their equipment, are still available. By making platoon organizations with one assault cannon and three or four scout cars, I believe we can put down anything that the Italians can start. 
      At 1000 the IRS, AMGOT, and the other agencies came to see me. The situation was very bad and they wished me to take over. I told them I had no authority except that I was senior officer on the island and that if things got out of hand, I would command. They asked me to wire AFHQ for 10,000 tons of flour to arrive at once so as to cover the acute shortage which exists. I have done this. I am sure that there is a great deal of crookedness, probably unknown to Amgot, but when several of the leading bakers have just bought automobiles, they must be making money, and the only way to get flour to bake is from Amgot by legitimate means or otherwise. What I think happens is that the smaller officials steal or lose the ration coupons of individuals they dislike, and then re-issue them to the bakers who, in this way, secure an extra amount of flour for which they are not responsible. 
Nov      "This was the most unkindest cut of all." A.G. 370.5/221 C-O 13 November 43 removes 1st, 9th, 2d Armored and about everything else from the Seventh Army. General Nathan B. Forrest had all his troops taken from him twice during Civil War. 
November 19, 1943
      Nothing.
November 20, 1943
      Wrote AFHQ a letter on the food situation and enclosed letters from the Cardinal and his Secretary on the same subject. Amgot has

November 20,1943 (cont'd p.2)
neither the capacity nor the ability to administer a captured country. The only answer is ruthless enforcement of the law by the death penalty. Especially is this true among a bastard race like the Sicilians. Also wrote General Hughes at more length and on the same subject. I have a hunch that Ike is in the U.S.
November 21, 1943
      Codman brought me a statement picked up by our monitoring set that AFHQ had categorically denied that I had been reprimanded by General Eisenhower or that the men had failed to obey me. Apparently Drew Pearson had made certain allegations against me in Washington. I had been expecting something like this to happen for some time because I am sure that it would have been much better to have admitted the whole thing to start with, particularly in view of the fact that I was right. 
November 23, 1943
      About 2230 I got a long wire from Beedle Smith about correspondents raising hell and about his efforts to placate them; also, I was told to back up AFHQ and make no statement if I was visited by correspondents. Of course such messages are a bit disturbing, but I feel that this one is two thirds for the purpose of covering AFHQ. At the same time I got a second telegram from the officer in charge of publicity saying that the correspondents had requested an interview and wished to know my reaction. He also suggested that no interview be granted. I wired back that I wholly concurred in his suggestion of no interview. 

November 24, 1943
      I got another message at 2230 last night which sounds quite serious but state that "..the affair may blow over." Should I meet any correspondents I am to make no quotable statements but I am to talk frankly. This would be a very acrobatic operation. If the fate of the only successful general in this war depends on the statements of a discredited writer like Drew Pearson,, we are in a bad fix. Of course I am worried, but I am quite confident that the Lord will see me through. "Oh thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" I think it would be a fine thing if the reporters would come over here. It will be amusing to see how the papers and the people at home take it - whether they will turn on me or defend me. One good article, or a statement by the head of the Red Cross or the American Legion would clear the situation immeasurably, but I doubt whether any of these things occur. However, I am perfectly certain that this is not the end of me.
November 25, 1943
      Thanksgiving Day. I had nothing to be thankful for so I did not give thanks. Inspected the Headquarters Company, Provisional Tank Company and MP Company. The men were having a good meal and were contented and dry. I got a letter from Beedle Smith repeating that we are going to England but under a new name. I fear that this is an attempt to make me take a new staff of favorite sons picked for me in the UK. I will have to find some way of circumventing such a move. Walked three miles in 42 minutes.
November 26, 1943
      General P.L. Williams (Air Corps)1 came to see me about the possible arrival of dignitaries at Castelvetrano at the end of the Cairo conference. He wanted to know how many troops I could turn out to help.
         [?]. already mentioned 'P.L.' William

November 26, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
put on a review for them at which he and I would both be present. I 
told him I could give him a band and a tank company which is, after 
all, not a very large contribution from an alleged army.
Colonel Codman went to Tunis with two female agents to pick up
some information on an alleged German spy case, and he will pick them 
up on his return from Algiers on Sunday. Lt. Colonel Melvin Purvis, 
FBI, and one of his assistants came over on a similar mission in compliance 
with my letter of some days back requesting an inspector to 
investigate the comduct of AMGOT.
November 27, 1943
I wrote a letter to the Secretary of War explaining exactly 
what had happened in the "Patton Incident". I made no excuses but 
simply stated facts. I sent a copy of it to Hughes asking his opinion 
as to forwarding it and will be guided by his ideas, because for the 
moment, he is Theater Commander since Eisenhower is away - I believe 
at Cairo.
November 28, 1943
Codman got back from Algiers today with a very complete appreciation 
of my sad state. I seem to be the means by which McNarney 
is trying to hurt Ike so as to become Chief of Staff in the event that 
General Marshall leaves. Ike and Beedle are not at all interested
in me but simply in saving their own faces. I might act the same if 
the case were reversed, but I doubt it.
Our two agents got back from Tunis without attracting any attention, 
or doing any good.
Naturally I am worried but I am really more angry than uneasy. 
My side is not being shown and my friends must be having a hell of a

November 28, 1943 (cont'd p.2)
time. So far as I can see there is nothing for me to do except read the Bible and trust to destiny. I certainly  do not intend to read any of the dirt published in the papers or broadcast over the radio. There is no use in giving myself indigestion for nothing.
November 29, 1943
      General Joyce came to lunch. He retires for age (64) tomorrow and has to take a physical. He looks fifty. He thought my letter to the Secretary fine. Had a wire from Hughes not to send it so concurred, as he is on the ground and knows the score better than I do, and is a sincere friend. We had the second session of the CPX, which we are using as a means of keeping the staff interested. We have selected Leghorn, Genoa and Toulon as possible landing theaters, using Corsica as a staging area. I believe that Toulon is the best, but in order to be sure we are studying all three. 
November 30, 1943
       Inspected Palermo Port with Colonel Muller. Got some dope on black market and passed it on to Purvis. Wrote some notes on my operations. I have done better than I realized. My command so far as disposed of 177,000 Germans, Italians and French - killed, wounded and prisoners of which they have killed and wounded 21,000. Our average loss has been one man for 131/2 of the enemy. It would be a national calamity to lose an army commander with such a record.
December 1, 1943
      General Joyce, whom I talked to on the Drew Pearson incident, remarked, "George, tell them the exact truth in these words - 

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