General George S. Patton was born on this day in 1885.
6 March, 1944
Letter of Instruction
Command
Leadership
- Full Duty: Each, in all his appropriate sphere, will lead in person. Any commander who fails to obtain his objective, who is not dead or severely wounded, has not done his full duty.
- Visits to the Front: The Commanding General or his Chief of Staff should visit the front daily.
- Execution: In carrying out a mission, the promulgation of the order represents not over ten percent of your responsibility. The remaining ninety percent consists of proper and vigorous execution.
- Rest Periods: Staff personnel who do not rest, do not last.
- Location of Command Posts: The farther forward the Command Posts, the less time is wasted in driving to and from the front.
- Plans: Plans must be simple and flexible. They should be made by people who are going to execute them.
- Reconnaissance: You can never have too much
- Keep Troops Informed: Use every means available before, during and after battle. Information is like eggs: the fresher the better.
- Decorations: Decorations are for the purpose of raising the fighting value of the troops; therefore, they must be awarded promptly.
- Discipline: There is only one kind of discipline - PERFECT DISCIPLINE. If you do not enforce and maintain discipline, you are potential murderers. You must set the example.
COURAGE: DO NOT TAKE COUNSEL OF YOUR FEARS.
The George S. Patton Story, narrated by Ronald Reagan ...
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