When Major General George S. Patton retired to his family home in Hamilton, after 34 years in the U.S. Army, and decided to initiate a farming operation, he still was deeply and sentimentally attached to the military life he had left.
As he often declared, his greatest privilege was in having been granted command of historic units and serving with the fine soldiers that made up their forces. The Second Armored Division was the largest unit he commanded, and was prestigious because his father had commanded it in preparation for World War II. But this George Patton's service with the Second Armored Division was during peacetime.
It was the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the unit he commanded in battle as a Colonel in Vietnam during 1968 -1969, that was closest to his heart. He was very mindful of the sacrifices that his soldiers had made in that time, especially those who lost their lives while serving under his leadership. That is why he decided to honor them by naming his farm fields for some of those whose heroism was most meaningful to him.
The Heroes' Fields are named as follows:
Pilot Plot, named for Vietnam War-era helicopter pilots–his own, and all others who served with him. Patton named his favorite Labrador retriever Pilot, and the pond behind the Homestead became known as “Pilot’s Pond.”
Yano Plot, named for Sergeant First Class Rodney T. Yano, member of the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He was killed in January, 1969 in Vietnam. His actions earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor,
Blackhorse Field, named for the 11th U.S. Cavalry Regiment nicknamed “The Blackhorse Regiment,” as its official insignia indicates.
Operation Troop Support Field, named for the nonprofit organization established in March 2003 in Danvers, Massachusetts. Operation Troop Support serves our deployed men and women in uniform from across the country through care packages, comfort items, holiday gifts, support groups, and generating public awareness.
Wickham Plot, named for Corporal Jerry Wayne Wickham, who was killed in Vietnam in January, 1968. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at the time of his death. Corporal Wickham was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry in action.
Hays Plot, named for Captain John H. Hays, a member of the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry, who was killed in Vietnam in November of 1968. His actions at that time led to his being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
These fields will be added to this audio tour once permission from all applicable landowners and tenants have been obtained.
Although Major General George S. Patton never named a field for himself, his own war record was exemplary. He served one tour of duty during the Korean conflict (1953), and three tours in Vietnam between 1962 and 1968. His decorations for personal valor in wartime included two awards of the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, and two Bronze Star medals. He also was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, and many awards for exemplary service. George Patton passed away in retirement in 2004, at the age of 80, while residing on his beloved Green Meadows Farm.
Learn More: General Patton's Fields, Northshore Magazine, October 24, 2016.
Photos: Green Meadows Farm, c. 2016. Photo courtesy of Northshore Magazine; Map of Heroes' Fields; Maj. Gen. George S. Patton, Patton Family Archives of the Wenham Museum; Maj. Gen. Patton and his son, also George Patton, at Yano Field.
