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About this quote

What does it mean?
A humorous exchange about the number of men killed in war, showing personality dynamics.
In plain terms
Patton gives conflicting counts of kills in a joke.
What can you take from it?
War stories vary by telling.

Where it applies

  • historical records
  • military anecdotes
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • track your stories
  • know your audience
  • verify facts

Questions to consider

  • How do you recount past actions?
  • Is humor appropriate in war?

Another view

Trivializing combat casualties can be disrespectful to those lost.

More from George S. Patton

  1. I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor, dumb bastard die for his country.

    Permalink to quote #65
  2. If you're a leader, you don't push wet spaghetti, you pull it. The U.S. Army still has to learn that. The British understand it. Patton understood it. I always…

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. I'd rather have a German division in front of me, than a French one behind.

    Permalink to quote #64

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