[Off Topic] Target Patton

[edwest]

A man by the name of Stephen J. Skubik published a book titled The Muder of General Patton in 1993. Mr. Skubik was a Special Investigator for the Counter-Intelligenge Corps, a little known organization more secret than the OSS. The CIC is named in many American Intelligence documents regarding German secret weapons and they were tasked with tracking down certain important individuals. He was attached to Patton's 89th Infantry Division until the end of the war and was then moved to the 970th CIC. He warned General Patton that the Russians wanted him dead.

In the first chapter of this book, author Robert K. Wilcox outlines Patton's views about the Germans, the Russians and the American Administration. Next the author recounts how he heard about a man named Douglas Bazata, formerly of the OSS, who said Patton had been assassinated. This prompted him to research the accident and to locate Mr. Bazata. The narrative turns to a World War II Jedburgh mission code named Cedric, which goes on to paint a portrait of Bazata. Later, Bazata makes the claim that he was the one hired to kill General Patton. A story is related to the author regarding the planning and staging of the accident.

The author does a background check on Mr. Bazata to verify his claims and he appears to be who he says he is. His background with the OSS, and later, the CIA, checks out. The next step for the author was to go to the National Archives to locate an accident report or any report related to Patton's accident, which is fruitless. He then goes to the Patton Museum in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and numerous libraries, military and civilian, and to Europe to visit the spot where the accident occurred. He eventually located a document that referenced the Accident Report but that was all. Nor was the author the first to make the attempt. Carlo D'Este, author of Patton: A Genius For war, could not locate it either.

Then the author begins to give names of individuals involved in the accident and another official document that refers to an investigation into the accident. The author has some suspicions, since, at the time, news of the accident was made known around the world.

The author turns back to Mr. Bazata who allows him access to his private journals which relate Bazata's transition from OSS to CIA. Enter William Donovan and intrigue and the associated web of individuals involved. More details are given about the reason Patton was eventually killed. Then Mr. Skubik reeenters the picture during his time in post-War Germany. A capsule summary of the CIC's mission is given, followed by the human chaos encountered and the human desperation. This is followed by accounts of Patton's anti-Russian comments. In short, Patton wanted to give the people of Eastern Europe freedom but that had been thwarted by deals made with the Russians. Then a few other attempts on Patton's life are illustrated. The first is identified as a mistake by a Polish Spitfire, the other, a scythe left protruding from a farmer's cart that almost took off his head.

In June, 1945, Patton returned to America and told family it would be the last time they would see him. The story turns again to post-War Germany and Skubik tangling with the Russians and involved in various intrigues. Mr. Skubik is credited with saving thousands of Ukrainians from being deported. Then the reader is treated to an account of the relationship between the OSS and NKVD.

Finally, the author returns to his subject. He recounts the various versions of the accident and the immediate aftermath. The inconsistencies mount and point to something other than confusion or bad memory. A few photos of the damaged Cadillac appear, and the damage was not minor. Photos also appear of the Patton Cadillac on display at the Pattom Museum, which the author is able to prove is not authentic. A close up shows a clear attempt to obliterate the vehicle identification number.

Fortunately, the author has hospital records to draw on. The wound to General Patton which was allegedly made by striking some interior part of the car is described. The rest of the book describes Patton's wartime exploits and how competition for power and glory interfered with getting the job done. The author attempts to locate some of the principals involved in the accident but finds little. In the end, the Russians are blamed for the incident after a review of other, similar Russian staged accidents. It appears there were legitimate fears Patton would instigate war with the Russians and had to be stopped.



Ed

[Dan O'Connell]

Sounds like a fascinating read. I'll look for it.

[Franek Grabowski]

Originally Posted by edwest

Then a few other attempts on Patton's life are illustrated. The first is identified as a mistake by a Polish Spitfire, the other, a scythe left protruding from a farmer's cart that almost took off his head.

Well, it puts credibility of the author in doubt. The pilot just circled to identify the aircraft, so hardly any attempt to kill Patton. The latter seems quite a story teller!

[edwest]

Did you read the book? The pilot did not circle but fired on the aircraft Patton was in.




Ed

[Franek Grabowski]

I knew the pilot.