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The caption to this M1 Thompson reads:
"Thompson Submachine Gun of General George S. Patton Jr. - In most photographs taken of
General Patton during World War II he is seen wearing a pistol, but be owned a variety of
firearms. In combat areas he occasionally had shoulder arms such as this Thompson Subma-
chine gun on his vehicle.
General Patton was proficient with all types of small arms and in 1912 was a member of the United
States Olympic team. He placed fourth in the military pentathlon which included pistol shooting.
In 1916 his shooting skill saved his life during the
punitive expedition in Mexico. Three Villistas
mounted on horses attacked him simultaneously and he shot two of them with his single action
Colt pistol. The third man chose to flee.
Presented
by Major General George S. Patton "
provide a very unique view point and often can provide behind the scenes information about persons
and places and traditions of the Academy.
West Point is also important to Thompson collectors as it is also where General John Thompson and
Col. Marcellius Thompson attended for the start of their military careers. As a West Point graduate
you are also allowed to be buried in the Academy grave site, along with your wives. Both John and
Marcellius are buried here. John Thompson is buried with his wife, but Marcellius is not with his
wife. His wife remarried after Marcellius's death and was not allowed to be buried at West Point.
The other point of interest is the West Point Military Museum. This museum houses a complete
history of the US Army and a good collection of arms. This is one of two museums in the country
where you can go and see prototype Thompson Submachine Guns. On public display is the