Written by George Thimmesch, this song was born from a series of notes he took while interviewing his father, Harold John Thimmesch, who since has passed away. After acquiring the notes of his father's experiences in World War II, George took 2 years to put those stories to song. Each story in the song is true. His father, along with so many other brave men and women fought to protect and preserve our freedoms. This song is dedicated to George's father, Communications Sergeant, Harold John Thimmesch, of the 4th Armored Division, Headquarter's Company, under General George S. Patton.
lyrics
In 1941 I was 24 years old
Got drafted in the army; so, I did as I was told
And they sent me down to Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Then they shipped me up to Pine Camp, New York
I ended up bunkmate with a German spy
But with my help he got grabbed by the MP’s. (F G Am)
Next was Fort Worth, Texas where it was hot as hell
I needed a three day pass to go and marry my gal
And I finally got permission from old Sgt. Zack Keen.
Then it was Needles, California with daily drills in the heat
Getting us ready for Hitler’s Nazis
And I made Sergeant before we left the States.
Well, I ran the radio for Headquarters’ Company
Served with men like Sonrick, Warwick, and Ed Galuli
It was brave men like these who I learned to rely.
Patton’s butchers is what we were called (Chorus)
Through France to Belgium and the Battle of the Bulge
From Normandy to St. Low then south to St. Nazair
Nothing could stop us by land, sea, or air
The Fourth Armored Division was our name
But our blood his guts earned us our fame
Yea, our blood his guts earned us our fame (F G Am)
We landed at Normandy once the shellin’ was all done
But we couldn’t go inland because the German’s long range guns
So Patton welded blades on the tanks to cut through the hedgerows.
One time we got ambushed by snipers we couldn’t see
But Tank Commander Red went and shot one from a tree
He gave me the Mauser but many a hero died that day.
Once there was a valley with both sides flanked by hidden guns
So Colonel Abrams sent down three empty tanks on a run
I radioed their positions to B17’s to bomb them from the sky.
(F G Am)
Then Ike asked Patton to hurry and get to Bastogne
The 101st Airborne were there with no supplies and all alone
Fueling tanks on the run we reached them in 2 ½ days.
But the sky was foggy and our planes couldn’t drop supplies
All we could do was share our rations and look ‘em in the eyes.
Then Patton ordered a prayer the sky cleared and I saw grown men cry.
Patton’s butchers is what we were called (Chorus)
Through France to Belgium and the Battle of the Bulge
From Normandy to St. Low then south to St. Nazair
Nothing could stop us by land, sea, or air
The Fourth Armored Division was our name
But our blood his guts earned us our fame (repeat 1X)
Yea, our blood his guts earned us our fame
Our blood his guts earned us our fame
Our blood his guts earned us our fame (F G Am)
(Am C) repeat to fade
credits
from Flannel Animal,
track released December 30, 2010
George Thimmesch - Vocal, Acoustic Guitar
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