Patton
Patton’s strict, even harsh, approach led to him being feared by his men. He didn’t care if he was liked or even respected by those under his command. He preferred to be feared. He may not be the most likable general but he got results. Patton made more progress than Bradley, leading the 3rd Army in the Race across France and the “reverse Blitzkrieg” that overwhelmed Germany.
Bradley
Bradley was well liked by those he commanded. Unlike Patton, he was extremely reluctant to waste a single life. On top of this he was brave, he put himself in danger while Patton held back. Patton earned himself the nickname ‘Old Blood and Guts’ but the soldiers quipped ‘his guts but our blood!’ Bradley, far more than Patton, represents the kind of general favored today.
George S. Patton is widely considered to be one the most successful combat generals in U.S. history. In 1943 he led the 7th Army in the invasion of Sicily and the 3rd Army across France in 1944. In 1945 he crossed the Rhine and attacked Germany gaining 10,000 miles of territory in 10 days. Omar N. Bradley oversaw operations in North Africa in 1943 where he was instrumental in restoring order and improving training. He took part in the invasion of Sicily, Operation Overlord and the Battle of the Bulge. By the end of WW2, Bradley was in command of 1.3 million men, the largest command held by a single commander.