General Patton's Companion, Ever Faithful

Via: thepoodleanddogblog

Three days after the death of General George S. Patton, his devoted companion 'Willie' is photographed faithfully waiting near the personal effects of a departed master. Affectionately called 'William the Conquerer,' the Bull Terrier was purchased by Patton in 1944, who had a fondness for that particular breed. The legendary World War II general doted on Willie, and the loyalty was plainly reciprocated.

After a meeting with the inseparable pair, cartoonist Bill Mauldlin would write:
"Beside him, lying in a big chair was Willie, the bull terrier. If ever dog was suited to master this one was. Willie had his beloved boss's expression and lacked only the ribbons and stars. I stood in that door staring into the four meanest eyes I'd ever seen."

Sadly, the time Willie spent with the Army commander would prove to be short-lived. On December 9, 1945, one day prior to his scheduled return home from Germany, Patton was involved in a controversial auto accident. The general would be mortally wounded in the collision, paralyzed from the neck down and succumbing to his injuries 12 days later.