George S. Patton (1885 – 1945)
U S General during World War II; he was known in his time as "America's Fightingest General".
All of the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters, either. Every single man in this Army plays a vital role. Don't ever let up. Don't ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do and he must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain.
He was tough. War is tough. Leaders have to be tough. He drove his army hard, yes, and he made many enemies among colleagues and subordinates, but he also produced results. He was indeed arrogant, but sometimes a good leader has to be larger than life. … But the fact is: again typically, Patton's admirers are no more specific in their praise than are his disparagers in their criticism.
My men don't surrender. I don't want to hear of any soldier under my command being captured unless he has been hit. Even if you are hit, you can still fight back.
I wonder if I could have been here before as I drive up the Roman road the Theater seems familiar — perhaps I headed a legion up that same white road... I passed a chateau in ruins which I possibly helped escalade in the middle ages. There is no proof nor yet any denial. We were, We are, and we will be.
Give me an army of West Point graduates, I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war!
Remember that the enemy is just as frightened as you are, and probably more so. They are not supermen.
A great leader for exploiting a mobile situation.
We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.
I have fought with gun and cutlass
On the red and slippery deck
With all Hell aflame within me
And a rope around my neck.
Fixed fortifications are a monument to the stupidity of man.
Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.
Men are at war with each other because each man is at war with himself.