Patton shortly before his death.

Patton was welcomed home with parades as a conquering hero. Back on duty in occupied Germany, Patton's outspokenness got him into trouble again. He attempted to justify the use of ex-Nazis in important administrative positions during the occupation of Bavaria. Patton had also been willing to make known his view that the United States and Britain should re-arm the Germans and fight the Russians.

As a result of his "unofficial" remarks, he was relieved of the command of his beloved 3rd Army. Though he had been showered with honors when he had returned to the United States, there was obviously a great deal of discussion in Washington about what to do with Patton, now that the war was over. Invaluable in war, Patton's temperament was somewhat of a liability in peacetime. In many ways, it would have been fitting for Patton, the warrior, to have died on the battlefield, but that was not to be.

Despite the fact that throughout his military career he had constantly exposed himself to danger, it was a traffic accident, not a bullet, which took Patton's life. In December 1945, his car was hit by a truck, and he was severely injured. On December 22, 1945 he died from those injures and was buried in Luxembourg, along with other members of the 3rd Army. It is a country which still considers Patton its liberator.

Since his death, Patton's reputation has continued to grow. He is considered, by many, one of the greatest military commander in U.S. history. The praise levered on him by the men of 3rd Army has nearly drowned out any lingering criticisms about his brashness.

Even today, 3rd Army veterans are proud to make it known that they served under Patton. Patton's ambition as a boy was to be a general, a hero and a warrior. History has proven that he succeeded magnificently at all three.