FrazierC
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2012
Soldiers were inspired and relieved when their commander gave them words of encouragement before combat. What are your favorite pre-battle or battle speeches and/or quotes?
One of mine would have to be my signature. During the Second Battle of Manassas, a Federal unit attacking the Unfinished Railroad Cut found itself struggling to deploy into line of battle. Major General Philip Kearny offered a simple solution. He rode to the front of the regiment and roared, "Fall in here, you sons of b******, and I'll make major generals out of every one of you!"
Another of my favorites is John Gordon's speech to General Lee and his own division before leading the counterattack at Spotsylvania Court House. When Lee rode to the front of Gordon's Division to personally lead the attack, Gordon rode to his commander and spoke loudly for his troops to hear: "General Lee, you shall not lead my men in a charge. No man can do that, sir. Another is here for that purpose. These men behind you are Georgians, Virginians, and Carolinians. They have never failed you on any field. They will not fail you here. Will you, boys?" To which his men shouted, "No!" and "Lee to the rear!" Lee complied, and Gordon's counterattack stopped the Federals cold.
One of mine would have to be my signature. During the Second Battle of Manassas, a Federal unit attacking the Unfinished Railroad Cut found itself struggling to deploy into line of battle. Major General Philip Kearny offered a simple solution. He rode to the front of the regiment and roared, "Fall in here, you sons of b******, and I'll make major generals out of every one of you!"
Another of my favorites is John Gordon's speech to General Lee and his own division before leading the counterattack at Spotsylvania Court House. When Lee rode to the front of Gordon's Division to personally lead the attack, Gordon rode to his commander and spoke loudly for his troops to hear: "General Lee, you shall not lead my men in a charge. No man can do that, sir. Another is here for that purpose. These men behind you are Georgians, Virginians, and Carolinians. They have never failed you on any field. They will not fail you here. Will you, boys?" To which his men shouted, "No!" and "Lee to the rear!" Lee complied, and Gordon's counterattack stopped the Federals cold.