Command Decision Quotes

My dear McClellan: If you don't want to use the Army I should like to borrow it for a while.

My center is giving way, my right is in retreat; situation excellent. I shall attack.

Goddammit, he looks like a loser to me …. When I had an officer like that in World War II, I relieved him.

It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the troops cannot do it and in the second place if they do not retreat they will be destroyed. I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else.

A military leader often faces a situation he has to deal with, but because it is his duty, no court can try him.

The only situation a commander can know fully is his own: his opponent's he can know only from unreliable intelligence.

Gentlemen, by royal order you have all been relieved of your functions.

I used all diligence to arrive at London and therefore I now gave my crew a certificate under my hand, of my free and willing return, without persuasion or force by any one or more of them.

My father was executive officer, which is second-in-command, on a ship called the Hull, one of three ordered into a typhoon by Admiral Halsey - an insane and sadistic decision.

General Boykin has requested that an inspector general review this matter. And I have indicated that if that's his request, I think it's appropriate.