Many quotes can stir however the one's said in the midst of Battle always seem to be more potent. There are a couple I like and am sure the members may have some favourites also. [/B]"Casualties many; Percentage of dead not known; Combat efficiency; we are winning. - Colonel David M. Shoup (Tarawa, November 21, 1943)" The marines lost 1,000 marines dead and 2300 other casualties. All but 150 of the 2600 Japanese soldiers, 1000 Japanese construction workers and 1200 mainly Korean labourers survived. View attachment 881 View attachment 882 View attachment 883 "All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time" - Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC Most highly decorated Marine ever. By the time he retired from the Corps in 1951 he had earned more awards than any Marine in history: five Navy Crosses, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit with "V" device, the Bronze Star with "V" device, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart. View attachment 880
This was found written on the side of a casemate at Verdun: "Austin White -- Chicago, Illinois. 1918. "Austin White -- Chicago, Illinois. 1945. "This is the last time I want to write my name here." "Fear knocked at the door. Faith opened it, and there was no one there," Father John Gwinnett, British 6th Airborne, briefing his paratroopers before they went to Normandy. "We're paratroopers, lieutenant. We're supposed to be surrounded." Capt. Dick Winters, 2/506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, outside of Bastogne. "Out of ammunition. God Save the King." -- Last message from Arnhem Bridge. "With head bowed in sadness but not in shame I must report to Your Excellency that I must go to see the Japanese to ask for terms." -- Gen. Jonathan Wainwright's message to FDR on surrendering Corregidor. "People of the Philippines, I have returned. By grace of Almighty God our forces once more stand on Philippine soil -- soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. At my side stands your president, Sergio Osmena, a worthy successor to that great patriot, Manuel Quezon. The seat of your government, therefore, is firmly re-established on Philippine soil. Rally to me. As the zone of operations draws closer to your homes, rise and strike. Strike at every favorable opportunity. For your homes and hearths, strike! For future generations, strike! Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. Almighty God points the way. Follow in his name, to the Holy Grail of righteous victory." -- Gen. Douglas MacArthur, returning to the Philippines. That speech still gives me chills. And ANYTHING Churchill said.
"I'm not a hero the heroes are all dead, I'm a survivor" Someone from Easy company 506th 101st airborne (can't remember who) "NUTS!" General McCauliffe 101st Bastogne and I agree Kiwiwriter ANYTHING by Churchill
My favourite (at the moment) Brigadier "Loony" Hinde (quoted in Hastings' Overlord, but I have seen it elswhere), in the heat of Battle, broke of mid sentence and peering at the ground asked if any one had a matchbox, when Lt Col Carver pointed out to him that it might not be a good time to think of nature "Loony" replied "Don't be such a bloody fool Mike...you can fight a battle every day of your life, but you might not see a catterpiller like that in fifteen years!" Draw your own conclusions.....! Chris
