George S. Patton quotes - page 5

I do not fear failure. I only fear the ''slowing up'' of the engine inside of me which is pounding, saying, ''Keep going, someone must be on top, why not you'' (George S. Patton)
A commander has to command.
George S. Patton
Opportunities do not come to those who wait. They are captured by those who attack.
George S. Patton
May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I sure as hell won't.
George S. Patton
You can't run an army without profanity; and it has to be eloquent profanity. An army without profanity couldn't fight its way out of a piss-soaked paper bag.
George S. Patton
If what we are doing to the Germans is liberty, then give me death. I can't see how Americans can sink so low. It is Semitic, and I am sure of it. We have destroyed what could have been a good race, and are about to replace them with savages. Actually, the Germans are the only decent people left in Europe. There is a very apparent Semitic influence within the press. It appears that this order is to punish the German race and not individual Germans. I have been just as furious as you at the compilation of lies which the communists and Semitic elements of our government have leveled against me and practically every other commander.
George S. Patton
My men don't dig foxholes. Foxholes only slow up an offensive. Keep moving. We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have or ever will have.
George S. Patton
I don't want to get any messages saying, "I am holding my position."
George S. Patton
Always do more than is required of you.
George S. Patton
There is a great deal of talk about loyalty from the bottom to the top. Loyalty from the top down is even more necessary and much less prevalent. One of the most frequently noted characteristics of great men who have remained great is loyalty to their subordinates.
George S. Patton
There are three ways that men get what they want; by planning, by working, and by praying. Any great military operation takes careful planning, or thinking. Then you must have well-trained troops to carry it out: that's working. But between the plan and the operation there is always an unknown. That unknown spells defeat or victory, success or failure. It is the reaction of the actors to the ordeal when it actually comes. Some people call that getting the breaks; I call it God. God has His part, or margin in everything, That's where prayer comes in. (George S. Patton)
Good tactics can save even the worst strategy. Bad tactics will destroy even the best strategy.
George S. Patton
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
George S. Patton
Men, this stuff that some sources sling around about America wanting out of this war, not wanting to fight, is a crock of bullshit. Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to defend your homes and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because you would not want to be anywhere else. Third, you are here because you are real men and all real men like to fight.
George S. Patton
You shouldn't underestimate an enemy, but it is just as fatal to overestimate him.
George S. Patton
America loves a winner, and will not tolerate a loser, this is why America has never, and will never, lose a war.
George S. Patton
From time to time there will be some complaints that we are pushing our people too hard. I don't give a good Goddamn about such complaints. I believe in the old and sound rule that an ounce of sweat will save a gallon of blood. The harder we push, the more Germans we will kill. The more Germans we kill, the fewer of our men will be killed. Pushing means fewer casualties. I want you all to remember that.
George S. Patton
Staff officers of inharmonious disposition, irrespective of their ability, must be removed. A staff cannot function unless it is a united family.
George S. Patton
Unless you do your best, the day will come when, tired and hungry, you will halt just short of the goal you were ordered to reach, and by halting you will make useless the efforts and deaths of thousands.
George S. Patton
If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself.
George S. Patton
All glory is fleeting. (George S. Patton)
The publicity I have been getting, a good deal of which is untrue, and the rest of it ill considered, has done me more harm than good. The only way you get on in this profession is to have the reputation of doing what you are told as thoroughly as possible. So far I have been able to accomplish that, and I believe I have gotten quite a reputation from not kicking at peculiar assignments.
George S. Patton
Now in war we are confronted with conditions which are strange If we accept them we will never win.
George S. Patton
Through the travail of the ages, Midst the pomp and toil of war, Have I fought and strove and perished Countless times upon this star.
George S. Patton
Wonder weapons... my God, I don't see the wonder in them. Killing without heroics, nothing is glorified... nothing is reaffirmed? No heroes, no cowards, no troops, no generals? Only those who are left alive... and those who are left dead. I'm glad I won't live to see it.
George S. Patton