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Peace Quote by Rick Atkinson

“In a phone call one evening the corps commander grew incensed when Ward mentioned his good fortune in losing no officers in combat that day. “Goddammit, Ward, that’s not fortunate. That’s bad for the morale of the enlisted men,” Patton snapped. “I want you to get more officers killed.” quote by Rick Atkinson
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““In a phone call one evening the corps commander grew incensed when Ward mentioned his good fortune in losing no officers in combat that day. “Goddammit, Ward, that’s not fortunate. That’s bad for the morale of the enlisted men,” Patton snapped. “I want you to get more officers killed.””

Rick Atkinson

About This Quote

Source Book: The Guns at Last Light, Rick Atkinson, 2013

The passage reveals a commander’s ruthless mindset that sees officer casualties as a morale tool, exposing the brutal calculus of leadership in war.

In simple terms: Leaders may view officer deaths as morale control.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the human cost of such attitudes.

Themes

leadership war morale

Mood

serious somber

Type

historical military

When to use this quote

  • combat leadership
  • training programs
  • war reporting

Key Concepts

military strategy psychology of command ethical dilemmas

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does leadership style affect troop morale?
  • What ethical limits should exist in wartime decisions?
A Different Perspective

Such attitudes can erode trust and ethics.

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