Don't Surrender

My Dad served under General Patton during the Second World War. I remember hearing some of the stories about "blood and guts" Patton. Patton was a successful combat general because, in part, of his tenacity. The following story reveals a part of his character. Christian, "do you have the same fortitude not to surrender? Are you willing to fight to the end?"

General George Patton was a man who believed strongly that a well disciplined soldier would not only win the war, but would reach new heights of achievement. He said that to be a good soldier, a man must have discipline, self respect, pride in his unit and in his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to his comrades and his superiors, and self confidence born of demonstrated ability.

When the great day of battle comes, remember your training, and remember above all that speed and vigor of attack are the sure roads to success. And you must succeed, for to retreat is as cowardly as it is fatal. Americans do not "surrender!" It was the only time throughout World War II that Patton used the word, "surrender" in any of his orders to his troops.