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Radio station Quote by Hans von Luck

“The only one to remain in his vehicle, was my radio operator, who was sending off my messages. Next to the vehicle, stood my intelligence officer, who passed on to the operator what I shouted across to him. Then a machine—I thought I recognized the Canadian emblem—approached for a low-flying…” quote by Hans von Luck
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““The only one to remain in his vehicle, was my radio operator, who was sending off my messages. Next to the vehicle, stood my intelligence officer, who passed on to the operator what I shouted across to him. Then a machine—I thought I recognized the Canadian emblem—approached for a low-flying attack on the armored radio station. At 20 yards, I could clearly see the pilot’s face under his flight helmet. But instead of shooting, he signaled with his hand for the radio officer to clear off, and pulled his machine up into a great curve. “Get the operator out of the vehicle,” I shouted, “and take cover, the pair of you.” The machine had turned and now came at us out of the sun for the second time. This time, he fired his rockets and hit the radio car, fortunately, without doing too much damage. This attitude of the pilot, whether he was Canadian or British, became for me, the example of fairness in this merciless war. I shall never forget the pilot’s face or the gesture of his hand.””

Hans von Luck

About This Quote

Source Memoir: Panzer Leader by Hans von Luck, 1956

A pilot chose mercy over killing, sparing a wounded radio crew despite being in combat.

In simple terms: A pilot showed compassion in war.

Key Takeaway

Remember that kindness can appear even in conflict.

Themes

war compassion humanity leadership

Mood

reflective somber

Type

historical military ethical

When to use this quote

  • battlefield
  • air support
  • ground troops
  • enemy engagement

Key Concepts

ethical decision moral courage rules of engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you do if you could save an enemy combatant?
  • How does mercy affect morale in war?
A Different Perspective

Such gestures may be rare and can be constrained by orders or survival instincts.

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