One exception was Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery who admired Patton's ability to command troops in the field, if not his strategic judgment. Other Allied commanders were more impressed, the Free French in particular. General Henri Giraud was incredulous when he heard of Patton's dismissal by Eisenhower in late 1945 and invited him to Paris to be decorated by French President Charles de Gaulle at a state banquet. At the banquet, President de Gaulle gave a speech placing Patton's achievements alongside those of Napoleon. Soviet leader Joseph Stalin stated that the Red Army could neither have planned nor executed Patton's rapid armored advance across France.
One exception was Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery who admired Patton's ability to command troops in the field, if not his strategic judgment. Other Allied commanders were more impressed the Free French in particular. General Henri Giraud was incredulous when he heard of Patton's dismissal by Eisenhower in late 1945 and invited him to Paris to be decorated by French President Charles de Gaulle at a, state banquet. At the banquet, President de Gaulle gave a speech placing Patton's achievements alongside those of Napoleon. Soviet leader Joseph Stalin stated that the Red Army could neither have planned nor executed Patton's rapid armored advance across France.