Beatrice Patton Room

Beatrice Ayer and George S. Patton Jr. were married at Beverly Farms Episcopal Church close to Boston, Massachusetts, on 26 May 1910. They were married for over thirty years and had three children. Beatrice was a very able Army wife and had many talents. She was fluent in French and translated many French Army manuals into English, including the manual for the French Renault light tank. She was an expert equestrian and a fine sailboat sailor. Mrs. Patton wrote three books: Legends Hawaiians (in French), Blood of the Shark, and a privately published book about her father titled Reminiscences of Frederick Ayer. Mrs. Patton did not stand on the sidelines and watch the Armor Force develop; no, she was a part of it. She once took a ride in a new tank being demonstrated for Congressmen by the great tank designer Walter J. Christie. She was also an excellent musician and composer, and in 1941, she wrote a song called Song of the Armored Force. It is a rousing music that begins with pistol shots and a siren sounding. The piece of music was later adopted as the Second Armored Division March when then-General Patton became the division commander. The piece remained the division's song until it was disbanded in 1995. During World War II, Mrs. Patton traveled the country extensively, raising money during war bond drives. After the tragic death of her husband in 1945, Mrs. Patton continued to travel and speak in favor of the virtues of military service for all Americans. Their son, George S. Patton III, graduated from West Point, as did his father, and also became a general and later became the Commanding General of the famous Second Armored Division. Mrs. Patton died on 30 September 1953 at age 67. She was cremated, and later, her ashes were strewn over the grave of her beloved husband, George, by their children.