Patton's Choice

November 9, 1928, two days after the artillery positions were attacked.

General Pershing, commander-in-chief of the Northwestern Front Army, sat grim-faced inside headquarters, studying the battle situation map closely through a magnifying glass.

Standing beside him was his adjutant, Little George Smith Patton. Several senior officers from the Western Front Army were seated at the table nearby, including the commanders of each division and the Chief of Staff.

Rubbing his brow, General Pershing finally asked, "How are things going for each unit?"

"Commander." The commander of the Seventh Division, responsible for defending the line from Newtown to Williston, immediately reported, "We're short of every kind of supply, and some of the wounded aren't receiving proper aid.

"The enemy has at least two divisions stationed in Waterford. I need at least one division of reinforcements to withstand their assault."

"Where am I supposed to conjure a division for you?" General Pershing said irritably, unable to restrain his emotions. "I can only give you one regiment. You'll need to hold the line for at least a month and a half.

"Even if the line falls after a month and a half, you'll still have rendered great service. But if it falls within that month and a half—even if it's just one day short of the full period—you'll become the sinner of this war. Understand?"

"Yes! I guarantee the mission will be completed, Commander!" the commander of the Seventh Division answered solemnly.

As a soldier devoted to his duty, General Pershing was extremely strict with his subordinates.

That was precisely why the recruits he had trained still possessed a certain amount of combat strength. They could even trade blows with the Russians without giving ground.

"Let me go, Commander." Little George Smith Patton suddenly spoke up. "The reserve forces shouldn't be moved for