G-2: Intelligence for Patton: Intelligence for Patton

By Oscar W. Koch

Book Overview

The enigmatic science of military intelligence is examined in this personal record, written by Brig.Gen. Oscar W. Koch, who served during World War II as chief of intelligence for General George S. Patton, Jr., one of the most colorful military leaders in American history. General Koch traces the growth and development of the infant science through detailed accounts of the intelligence role in some of the most celebrated battles of the war, and through his personal remembrances of Patton and his relationships with members of his intelligence staff. His story moves from the African campaign through Sicily, into France on D-Day and on to the Battle of the Bulge, pointing out how the work of the intelligence staff made the differences in the final reckoning. General Koch's book is more than a historical study, however. It is the exciting story of the operations behind the cloak and dagger illusions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764308009
• ISBN13: 9780764308000
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Patton's Effectiveness

G-2, Intelligence for Patton is an excellent look at a major factor in General Patton's legendary effectiveness as a military commander. General, then Colonel, Koch had a rare talant for gathering critical information, and Patton was wise enough to depend completely on his council. The author, Robert Hays, in collaboration with General Koch, has written an interesting, comprehensive and important addition to WW2 literature. This book has, understandably, been required reading for any number of intelligence agency members, both here and abroad. I highly recommend this book to any WW2 buff and consider it essential for anyone interested in Patton.

Must reading

Military historians universally acknowledge that Oscar Koch was the best intelligence brain of World War II. He was a major reason for Patton's brilliance as a commander, because Patton never made a move without consulting him. This highly readable book offers important insights into Koch's thinking and, perhaps more important, his personal relationship with Patton. It is a "must read" for anyone interested in Patton, military intelligence, or World War II in general. Highly recommended!

Not bad, not bad at all

I found that this book was a bit to thin on details, but that it provided an excellent insite into World War Two battlefield intelligence planning. Certainly this is not a book for everyone, but for those in the field of intelligence (military or not), this is a good read.

The Crucial Element

BG Koch's slim volume reveals the nuts and bolts of the day to day intelligence grind that led to many of Patton's key victories. In down to earth prose Koch explains how the intelligence section went about its job behind the scenes ensuring operational success for Patton's various WWII commands. This volume helps make clear that many of Patton's accomplishments can be attributed to his understanding of how to exercise his staff at its full potential. While perhaps somewhat dry for the general reader this work is particularly recommended for those interested in historical analysis of the military staff as well as the evolution of combat intelligence organizations and methods. It is also useful to Patton students for its insights into "Old Blood and Guts'" genius of command.