The Great Raid George Patton gained his spurs in a Mexican gunfight.

May 1916. Lieutenant George Patton led a group of 10 soldiers on a raid of a Mexican ranch, looking for Pancho Villa aide Julio Cardenas. It was the first attack using motorized vehicles—and it was a success. Patton gunned the Mexican leader down with a pearl handled Colt .45 pistol. Two other Villistas were also killed. Patton transported the bodies about 90 miles to the headquarters of General John Pershing. The young lieutenant had actually disobeyed orders in attacking the ranch, but Pershing ignored that and soon gave him a promotion.