George S. Patton slapping incidents

During World War II, U.S. Army General George S. Patton, known as "Old Blood-and-Guts," was involved in two controversial slapping incidents in Sicily in August 1943. While visiting field hospitals, Patton struck two soldiers who appeared to be suffering from combat fatigue or other psychological distress. He accused them of cowardice, and in one instance, threatened to have a soldier killed by firing squad.1

These incidents were reported to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who reprimanded Patton and ordered him to apologize. Although the news of the slapping incidents broke later, causing public outcry and calls for Patton's dismissal, Eisenhower kept him in command, recognizing his military value. These events likely impacted Patton's opportunities for a command role in the Normandy Invasion.1