Early Military Career - World War I

During the Mexican Expedition in 1916, Patton was assigned to the 8^th Cavalry Regiment in Fort Bliss, Texas. He accompanied the Brigadier General John J. Pershing as his aide during the Expedition in his pursuit for Pancho Villa.

General Patton, accompanied with 10 soldiers of the 6^th infantry Regiment, killed 2 Mexican leaders including Julio Cardenas Commander of Villas personal body guard. This was the first moment when Patton became famous for many of his historical actions during the Mexican Expedition and World War I.

 When the United States entered World War I, General Pershing promoted Patton to the rank of Captain and now partially controlled the newly formed United States Tanks Corps. Patton was then promoted to the rank of major and the lieutenant colonel and was given full control of the United States Tank Corps. This was part of the American expeditionary force and then the first U.S. Army.

General Patton was in the battle of Saint-Mihiel and was wounded by machine gunfire as he was trying to give assistance to tanks that were stuck in the mud. The bullet traveled through his upper thigh. While Patton was healing from his wound, hostilities ended.

For his service for that battle, Patton was promoted to the rank of full Colonel. Also for his combat wounds, he was presented with the Purple Heart