<P> Born in 1885 to a family with an extensive military background ( with members having served in the United States Army and Confederate States Army ) , Patton attended the Virginia Military Institute and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point . He studied fencing and designed the M1913 Cavalry Saber , more commonly known as the `` Patton Sword '' , and partially due to his skill in the sport , he competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm , Sweden . Patton first saw combat during the Pancho Villa Expedition in 1916 , taking part in America 's first military action using motor vehicles . He later joined the newly formed United States Tank Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces and saw action in World War I , commanding the U.S. tank school in France before being wounded while leading tanks into combat near the end of the war . In the interwar period , Patton remained a central figure in the development of armored warfare doctrine in the U.S. Army , serving in numerous staff positions throughout the country . Rising through the ranks , he commanded the 2nd Armored Division at the time of the American entry into World War II . </P>
<P> Born in 1885 to a family with an extensive military background ( with members having served in the United States Army and Confederate States Army ) , Patton attended the Virginia Military Institute and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point . He studied fencing and designed the M1913 Cavalry Saber , more commonly known as the `` Patton Sword '' , and partially due to his skill in the sport , he competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm , Sweden . Patton first saw combat during the Pancho Villa Expedition in 1916 , taking part in America 's first military action using motor vehicles . He later joined the newly formed United States Tank Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces and saw action in World War I , commanding the U.S. tank school in France before being wounded while leading tanks into combat near the end of the war . In the interwar period , Patton remained a central figure in the development of armored warfare doctrine in the U.S. Army , serving in numerous staff positions throughout the country . Rising through the ranks , he commanded the 2nd Armored Division at the time of the American entry into World War II . </P>
when did george patton compete in the olympics
when did george patton compete in the olympics
1912
1912