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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