Factual error: In the opening scene when Patton addresses the troops in full regalia the medal he is wearing on his neck is attached to the ribbon by the "oak leaves and swords" of the Nazi German Knight's Cross. One of Hitler's highest valor awards presented only 160 times usually by Hitler himself, but in all instances personally approved by him. Patton did obviously not receive one. Also missing from Patton's uniform is the Silver Life Saving Medal which he received for saving a man from drowning. It was reputedly the award of which he was most proud.
Patton (1970)
21 factual errors
Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner
Starring: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Michael Strong, Stephen Young
Revealing mistake: Several maps of Europe shown in the film have Germany divided into East and West, and show national borders from 1945 onwards.
Capt. Richard N. Jenson: What are you doing there, soldier?
Soldier getting up from floor: Trying to get some sleep, sir.
Patton: Well, get back down there, son. You're the only son of a bitch in this headquarters who knows what he's trying to do.
Trivia: As Patton and his convoy are coming into town, Patton's half-track mistakenly flattens a few live chickens. (00:16:55)
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Answer: "The front" means the front line, i.e., where the enemy is being engaged. He's saying that since the soldier isn't physically injured, he should be fighting, not (as Patton sees it) being a coward and shirking his duty.