George Patton was born on November 11, 1885. Almost like he planned on being born on the future Veterans Day. Or Armistice Day as it was known until 1954. Here is one of my favorite anecdotes about this remarkable man.
Here is a conversation that Gen. Patton had when he visited the front in North Africa.
Patton: How were the casualties today?
Gen. Ward: Not bad.
Patton: How many officers were killed?
Ward: We were fortunate. We didn’t lose any.
Patton: Goddammit, that’s not fortunate! That’s bad for the morale of the enlisted men. I want you to get more officers killed.
Ward: You’re not serious, are you?
Patton: Yes, goddammit, I’m serious. I want you to put some officers out as observers. Keep them up front until a couple get killed. It’s good for the men’s morale. maroon p. 62
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