Patton's wrecked Cadillac
On December 9, 1945, U.S. General George S. Patton, received an invitation from his chief of staff, Major General Hobart Gay, to go pheasant hunting off-base, near his German post. Patton, riding next to his preferred chauffeur, Private H.L. Woodring, noticed the dog belonging to their hunting guide was riding in an open top Jeep behind them. Believing the dog to be cold, Patton asked his driver to pull over and bring the dog into their car. In doing so, Patton moved to the rear of the vehicle, and allowed the dog to ride upfront. It was a simple act of kindness toward an animal that would prove fatal.
Not long after their pit stop, Patton observed burned hulks of automobiles on the side of the road. To this he said, "How awful war is. Think of the waste."...