George Smith Patton , Jr. ( also George Smith Patton III ) ( November 11 , 1885 â `` December 21 , 1945 ) was a U.S. Army officer . George Smith Patton , Jr. ( November 11 , 1885 â `` December 21 , 1945 ) was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II .