Lot 373
Patton, Jr., George S. War-date typed letter signed ("G S Patton Jr."), one page, 10½ x 8 in., APO #758, c'/o Postmaster, N.Y.C., June 4, 1943. Typed on onion-skin paper and signed in black ink. To Brig. Gen. Albert Kenner, who was in the hospital in Colorado. In part: "My dear Kenner: There is no use crying over spilt milk. Both you and I have had the experience of being temporarily typed. But I am very sorry to hear that you are in the clutches of your own profession….You know without my saying it that any time you feel like coming backing to anything I may command, you will be the head surgeon of it. In this I am perfectly sincere and while I cannot offer a great deal at the moment, things may change any time. Again, I wish to tell you how dreadfully sorry I am, and to assure that the Big Boss, who visited me the other night, is deeply cut up. I am sure…there is plenty of time in this war for all men of your rare quality to gain the recognition they deserve…."
Kenner (1889-1959) joined the Army in 1916 and joined the Pancho Villa Expedition, then sailed to France and joined the American Expeditionary Force, where he served as a medical officer in the 26th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division. Much decorated in World War I, he would return from his stint in the hospital and would serve as a Chief medical officer for Operation Overlord.
Patton (1885-1945) was right to tell Kenner that "things may change any time." If only he knew! The next challenge would be Operation Husky, undertaken in July 1943, in which Patton would command the Seventh Army. His accomplishments as commander of the Third Army were still to come.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
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| Realized $1,313 |
