Article by Mary Jane Dye, Editor, Golden Gazette, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2021 May)
Most of the American public is not aware that General George S. Patton Jr. insisted that his Third Army have a band during World War II to boost morale.
Even more surprising is that there was a march written specifically for Patton by the Third Army Band’s Bandmaster, Gregorio A. Diaz, and—it is not the march from the 1969 movie Patton!
It is hard to fathom that a march for General Patton could be forgotten while in plain sight for 46 years.
All it took was recognition by Fairfax County resident and former enlisted member of the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” Colonel Lawrence Devron.
While on a 2012 work assignment at the headquarters of the Third Army/U.S. Army Central in South Carolina, Devron was gripped by an old, yellowed, handwritten music score. It was displayed in an isolated trophy display case dedicated to the musicians of the Third Army Band of World War II.
According to Devron, it was the original condensed score, composed and hand-written by Chief Warrant Officer Gregorio Diaz on April 10, 1945. It was inscribed, “The Third Army March, respectfully dedicated to Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr. and the gallant officers and men of the Third U.S. Army.”
In disbelief of his discovery, Devron asked the archivist if there was a recording of the March. When the answer was no, he envisioned his next mission.
He recalls that, in 1963, at his freshman convocation ceremony at The Eastman School of Music, the director, Dr. Howard Hanson, composer and champion of American classical music told them, “Music is a dead art!” (pause) “But, you—you must make it live!”
“I just had to learn more about the aged score and bring it back to life out of respect for its composer, Gregorio Diaz, and for those to whom it was dedicated,” Devron pronounced.
After much research, he found an online article written by Tom Diaz, son of Gregorio. With his help, Devron was able to better understand the special bond between Gregorio Diaz and Patton.
Devron also learned that Diaz, who was born in the Canary Islands, left home at age 12 and made his way to Mexico. At age 16, he crossed into the United States and readily joined the U.S. Army in 1924 to gain citizenship. “What a remarkable man!” exclaims Devron.
The last component to resurrecting the work was locating the original instrumental parts from the score. Working with the U.S. Army Band music library staff, he was able to accomplish this feat.
Finally, after more than a year of lobbying for a recording session, on November 6, 2013, the “Third Army March” was performed and recorded by the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, in Brucker Hall at Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia. “This performance was the first time the March had ever been recorded since it was composed for General Patton,” says Devron, proudly. Additionally, the March has not been heard publicly since 1973 when the Third U.S. Army and its band were deactivated.
When reflecting on the “Third Army March,” Devron wants people to remember Diaz’ respectful vision for the piece as a celebration of the much anticipated end to the war in Europe, which he wanted to share with Patton. But first, he had to prove its worth to the general. When played for Patton, he liked it very much, however, he wanted it dedicated to all the officers and enlisted personnel of the Third Army. Devron commented, “So, cleverly, Diaz did both.”
Four premiere performances took place in July 2014. The Cary Town Band of North Carolina, on July 3 and 4, was the first municipal band preceding the “Pershing’s Own” performances at the U.S. Capitol and Brucker Hall at Fort Myer, Virginia.
The latter performance at Brucker Hall incredibly was attended by the late Gregorio Diaz’ family and a former member of the Third U.S. Army Band, John Farris, now 96, a Fairfax County resident and retired Fairfax County Public School band teacher.
Devron’s passion for music, along with respect for all service members who served and lost their lives, made it possible for the re-emergence of the “Third Army March.” It is regularly performed at concerts and competitions by high school, college, municipal, and Army Bands across the country. In addition, the march was performed in the Czech Republic and in Norway. The video performances may be found at “Third Army March” performed by The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”
Devron is satisfied that he has fulfilled Dr. Hanson’s charge to make music live by tenaciously reviving the “Third Army March.”
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).