Famous People Who Overcame Dyslexia
George Patton
 George
Smith Patton, Jr. (November 11, 1885 – December 21,
1945), was a leading American general in World War II. Known
as "Old Blood and Guts", the vast majority of his
soldiers loved him for what he was—a pure and ferocious
warrior.
Patton attended Virginia Military Institute
for one year, then transferred to and graduated from the U.S.
Military Academy.
Patton was an intelligent child, intensively
studying classical literature and military history from a
young age, but likely suffered from an undiagnosed case of
dyslexia, the consequences of which would
haunt him throughout his schooling. He learned to read at
a very late age as a child, and never learned basic skills
such as proper spelling. Because of these difficulties, it
took him five years to graduate from West Point, although
he did rise to become Adjutant of the Corps of Cadets.
While at West Point, Patton renewed his acquaintance
with childhood friend Beatrice Ayer, the daughter of a wealthy
textile baron. The two were married shortly after Patton's
graduation.
After graduating from West Point, Patton
participated in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, representing
the United States in the first-ever Modern Pentathlon. Patton
finished fifth in the event. He was leading before the shooting
competition, in which his second shot appeared to miss the
target. He claimed his second bullet went through the hole
made by his first.
Additional Links:
The
Patton Society - Honoring General George S. Patton, Jr
Patton Museum
- The General George S. Patton Jr. National Museum of Cavalry
& Armor
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