[xsrdx]

"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his."

-- General George Patton

Great speech. Patton was a bit unhinged but he knew how to fight.

Good post.

[MJM59]

I think that you have to be a bit unhinged to be able to wage war the way that it has to be fought in order to win.

[nevergore]

BTTT....

[RinaseaofDs]

Patton saved lives. Patton mastered both tank warfare and close in air support while most of the Army's thinkers were still fighting WWI all over again. Most generals came up through the infantry ranks. Most believed that tanks ought to support infantry advance at 4 MPH.

Patton took the time to understand air support, and got to the point where he allowed AA generals to commit his forces to battle without his prior say so.

One of my good friends served in his Third Army and thanked God every day after the war that he did. He could have been under the command of Brit generals in Anzio, or Monty's forces as they slogged their way through France or Africa.

Patton knew what Sherman knew - war is about taking all ability to make war out of the enemy. About forcing the enemy to eschew war ever after. Japan's been a pretty good ally, and Germany? Well, what can you say except they are awfully antiwar at this point.

Patton was as sane as you or I, but he was right about Russia too.

Too bad you can't freeze dry generals like that and break them out for use in days like the one tomorrow.