The General's Willie, 1986; 18" x 36" x 12", private collection, Athens, OH
Feb. 11, 1986
Gary A. Mellick, CPT (P) M/C FS
Assistant Director
Human Performance Laboratory
Dept. of the Army
Office of the Surgeon General
Washington, D.C. 20310
Dear Captain Mellick,
My brother, Maj. Gen. George S. Patton (Ret.)showed me the photographs
of your brother's carving of a wooden Dog, purportedly entitled "Patton's
Willie". Your brother seems to be a talented wood worker and it is a shame
he should waste his time and talent on such a ridiculous and mis-named piece
of work. The sculpture has no resemblance to Willie in any way, shape or
form and is also degrading to the dog, and to our father, who never would
have made such a travesty of an animal as to dress it up in toy pistols and
imaginary insignia. Willie's eyes were not blue and his head was not classic,
nor did his ribs show. To me, the carving is altogether obscene. I am
herewith returning the pictures.
Yours truly
(name withheld by James Mellick)