"Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory."
General George S. Patton September 1933
2007-03-21 09:12:56 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
When I think of Patton, the first animal that comes to mind is a bulldog. He was tough, he liked to growl, and he loved to strut along in public, showing off his military bling. The guy was amazing and if it wasn't for MacArthur, I'd say he was the most admirable general in WW2.
Patton believed completely in the hearts and will of humanity, and understood that the fortitude which could be generated by a leader with character could bring any platoon of any army to victory, regardless of the technological gap (but then and again, sometimes the definition of victory has to be adapted).
I just saw 300 and was a little bewildered by the amount of blood involved in the movies making. Still, the depicted Spartans reflect exactly what Patton is talking about here. Any group of men that strives to find a way to win hard enough will do so, no matter the odds.
Also, I've held a firm belief in my life that individuals are capable of an infinite amount of accomplishment in their lifetimes because the human spirit is a force to be driven which cannot be restricted by anything other than itself. As human beings, we have this ability to never surrender and to emulate perfection as far as we want. The only time we ever do give up is when we decide to do so.
2007-03-21 09:31:16 · answer #1 · answered by Mikey C 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When Patton said this it was absolutely true.
However. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have
repeated it in the dawn of '44 when he saw
a bunch of Sherman shells bouncing off of
the armor of a Tiger 2 tank.
These days it's more the other way round.
Men still make a difference. But only if the
equipment basis is comparable. But half
of it is still true. Tactics can turn a conflict
in favor of you or in favor of the enemy.
And this part is not directly linked to the
equipment. Bad tactics can get your ***
kicked big time. Even if you have the better
toys.
2007-03-21 18:42:36 · answer #2 · answered by Alex S 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Patton had the balls to slap people in to place and that he was a great leader and that the men of his tank battalion would follow him any where
to me that is correct and i love war
2007-03-21 16:54:25 · answer #3 · answered by 3rd reich 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like all things, it is true and not.
All things being equal, it is true.
The Polish Lancers in 1939 had great training, incredable spirt, brilliant leaders, elan, and were the toast of thier country's miltary with a heritage that spanned hundreds of years.
The Germans had tanks and machine guns.
Patton also said "Untutored courage fails in the face of educated bullets"
2007-03-21 17:02:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, and brains save both."
"Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas."
"The best form of welfare for the troops is first-rate training."
"In a man-to-man fight, the winner is he who has one more round in his magazine."
"Courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility."
"In the absence of orders, find something and kill it."
"Training errors are recorded on paper. Tactical errors are etched in stone."
"There is one unalterable difference between a soldier and a civilian: the civilian never does more than he is paid to do."
"Men are basically smart or dumb and lazy or ambitious. The dumb and ambitious ones are dangerous and I get rid of them. The dumb and lazy ones I give mundane duties. The smart ambitious ones I put on my staff. The smart and lazy ones I make my commanders."
"Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide."
FIELD MARSHAL ROMMEL
2007-03-21 16:31:35 · answer #5 · answered by redneckmp28 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think Gen. Patton was absolutely correct.
2007-03-21 16:27:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
That is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!! That was a very good statement!!!
2007-03-21 16:43:51 · answer #7 · answered by Vagabond5879 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very true. Luckily the military population doesn't mirror the American population....
2007-03-21 16:38:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I dont think anything :) but the only thing i know is that i hate wars
2007-03-21 16:22:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋