A Father’s Prayer by General Douglas MacArthur

The prayer expresses the values of strength, humility, courage, wisdom, and compassion, and it serves as a powerful statement of MacArthur's ideals for leadership and personal integrity.

⊙ A Father’s Prayer by General Douglas MacArthur

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak; and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee—and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenges. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men, one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

​And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength.

Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, ‘I have not lived in vain.’

Leadership Quotes from the Victors of the Korean War - Part 2

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, with the invasion of South Korea by the North Korean Communist Party under Operation Storm. It was a major war since World War II, involving United Nations (UN) forces, led by the United States, as well as the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Soviet Union (USSR). Fought between the Second World War and the Vietnam War, the Korean War is often referred to as "The Forgotten War" or "The Unknown War" due to its lack of recognition by younger generations. The conflict resulted in an estimated 2 to 2.5 million deaths on both sides, mostly civilians (around 80 percent), and including roughly 200,000 to 500,000 combat casualties. Over 100,000 UN and US soldiers bravely sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Korea. We thank all UN and US servicemen and women for their sacrifice for the Republic of Korea.

⊙ Major General Oliver P. Smith: Leadership and Valor at the Battle of Lake Changjin

Marine Corps Major General Oliver P. Smith, a United States Marine Corps soldier renowned for his outstanding command and valor in the Korean War, commanded US Marines and allied forces in the face of a fierce Chinese offensive during the Battle of Changjin Lake in December 1950. This brutal battle, one of the most challenging of the Korean War, was fought in extreme cold and isolation.  Through it all, Major General Smith remained calm, demonstrating exceptional leadership. He not only repelled the Chinese forces but also oversaw the evacuation of thousands of South Korean troops and refugees from North Korea.

• Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction. - Major General Oliver P. Smith in Korea December 1950

• Gentlemen, we are not retreating. We are merely advancing in another direction. - Major General Oliver P. Smith in Korea December 1950

• I'm going to fight my way out, I'm going to take all my equipment and all my wounded and as many dead as I can. If we can't get out this way, this Division will never fight as a unit again. - Major General Oliver P. Smith in Korea December 1950

⊙ From Retreat to Repel: General Ridgway's Strategic Brilliance 

General Matthew B. Ridgway emerged as one of the principal commanders of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, succeeding General Walker, the commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, who tragically perished in a sudden car accident. General Ridgway played a pivotal role in stabilizing the situation amidst the Chinese offensive, deftly exercising strategic command as American forces retreated and confronted the advancing Chinese troops.

In the face of the Chinese offensive, which encompassed strategic withdrawals, the Battle of Jipyong-ri, and the recapture of Seoul, General Ridgway's restoration of the U.S. Eighth Army's morale, his meticulous planning, and audacious utilization of firepower paved the way for a counterattack. This counterattack enabled United Nations (UN) forces to repel the Chinese onslaught and restore the 38th parallel.

In April 1951, following General MacArthur's dismissal by President Truman, General Ridgway was appointed Supreme Allied Commander and Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Forces in the Far East. Under his leadership, the front was stabilized along the current armistice line. General Ridgway's astute management of prisoners of war and adept negotiation skills during armistice talks were instrumental in preventing enemy reunification on the Korean Peninsula.

• The Right Way, the Wrong Way, and the Ridgway: The Will to Succeed

• Hold positions at all costs. - Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway

• And remember this, since no one can predict today when you may be thrown into combat, perhaps within hours after deplaning in an overseas theater – as happened to thousands in Korea, and as I have no doubt to many in Vietnam – you will have no time to get in shape. You must be in shape all the time. - Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway

⊙ The Exorcising Marines: Marguerite Higgins's Reporting from the Korean War

Marguerite Higgins, an American journalist, gained worldwide fame for her on-the-ground coverage of World War II and the Korean War. Arriving in Korea just two days after the outbreak of the conflict, she reported on the war for a significant stretch. Higgins was present for the Incheon landing on September 15th, 1950, where the Marines bravely fought through fierce resistance from North Korean forces. This act of courage earned them the nickname "The Ghosts of the Korean War," a moniker that has stuck with them ever since.

• Ghost Catching Marine. - Marguerite Higgins in Korea

• It doesn’t help the nation to insult or anger the Marine Corps. - Marguerite Higgins in Korea

• A military situation at its worst can inspire fighting men to perform at their best. - Marguerite Higgins, War in Korea: The Report of a Woman Combat Correspondent

• "I thought then how much more matter-of-fact the actuality of war is than any of its projections in literature. The wounded seldom cry – there’s no one with time and emotion to listen." - Marguerite Higgins, War in Korea: The Report of a Woman Combat Correspondent

⊙ Sacrifice for Freedom and a Just Cause: Messages from the Korean War

• Freedom is not free, our cause was just, and our will unbroken - Korean War Memorial.

• Without my country I cannot exist. - General Paik Sun-yup

• "I will defend Korea as I would my own country—just as I would California." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur to Dr. Syngman Rhee, President of the two-month-old South Korean Republic, October 1948

Additional resources:

Leadership and Valor in Band of Brothers

22 Quotes about Soldiers & Army

Beyond Heroism: The Power of Camaraderie in 'Band of Brothers'

Insights on War and Peace: Moshe Dayan's Quotes

The Courage of Sacrifice: Inspiring Quotes for Memorial Day and Beyond

Remembering the Sacrifice: Memorial Day Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Motivational Quotes To Inspire You.

#Topics #Korean War #North Korean invasion #Chinese Communist offensive #Leadership #Leader #Valor #Victors #Battle of Changjin Lake #General Oliver P. Smith #General Matthew B. Ridgway #Marguerite Higgins #Courage #Sacrifice

Leadership Quotes from the Leaders Who Won the Korean War - Part 1

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, with the invasion of South Korea by the North Korean Communist Party under Operation Storm. It was a major war since World War II, involving United Nations (UN) forces, led by the United States, as well as the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Soviet Union (USSR). Fought between the Second World War and the Vietnam War, the Korean War is often referred to as "The Forgotten War" or "The Unknown War" due to its lack of recognition by younger generations. The conflict resulted in an estimated 2 to 2.5 million deaths on both sides, mostly civilians (around 80 percent), and including roughly 200,000 to 500,000 combat casualties. Over 100,000 UN and US soldiers bravely sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Korea. We thank all UN and US servicemen and women for their sacrifice for the Republic of Korea.

⊙ General MacArthur's Determination Quotes from the Korean War

General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) was a prominent American military leader who significantly impacted both World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, he commanded Allied forces in the Pacific theater. In the Korean War, he served as the United Nations commander. The September 15, 1950, Incheon Landing, a daring operation spearheaded by MacArthur, marked a turning point in the Korean War. He is credited with demonstrating exceptional determination in his efforts to win the war.

• We win here or lose everywhere; if we win here, we improve the chances of winning everywhere. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Korea

• I realize that Inchon is a 500-to-1 gamble, but I am used to taking such odds. We shall land at Inchon and I shall crush them. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur : Operation Chromite began on 15 September 1950 and ended on 19 September

• I will defend Korea as I would my own country-just as I would California. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Korea

• The enemy is in front of us, the enemy is behind us, the enemy is to the right and to the left of us. They can't get away this time! - Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Korea

⊙ General Walker's valour and leadership in the Korean War

General Walton Walker (1889-1950) was a United States Army general who played a major role in World War II and the Korean War, particularly in the early stages of the Korean War. He commanded UN forces and led significant defensive campaigns.

When the Korean War erupted, General Walker commanded the Eighth Army, tasked with halting the North Korean advance and defending South Korea. Throughout the summer of 1950, relentless North Korean offensives forced UN and South Korean forces to retreat towards the Pusan Perimeter. General Walker's unwavering determination to defend this critical line is embodied by his famous order, "Stand or Die." The successful resistance at the Nakdong River defenses proved pivotal, paving the way for the successful Incheon landings and ultimately preventing the communization of Korea.

• Stand or Die. - Gen. Walton Walker in Korea 

• All my life, I've been a soldier and nothing else. - Gen. Walton H. Walker

• We must trade time for space, hold the high ground as long as possible. Defend in depth. Keep a reserve. Watch your flanks. Protect your artillery. Maintain communications as all costs. Don't get decisively engaged. - Gen. Walton Walker in Korea

• We are fighting a battle against time. There will be no more retreating, withdrawal or readjustment of the lines or any other term you choose. There is no line behind us to which we can retreat.…There will be no Dunkirk, there will be no Bataan. A retreat to Pusan would be one of the greatest butcheries in history. We must fight until the end.…We will fight as a team. If some of us must die, we will die fighting together.…I want everybody to understand we are going to hold this line. We are going to win. - Gen. Walton Walker in Korea

⊙ General Van Fleet Loved Korea: Korean War Quotes

General James Alward Van Fleet (1892-1992) was a distinguished United States Army general who served with distinction in both World War II and the Korean War. In April 1951, he assumed command of the Eighth Army from General Matthew Ridgway. General Van Fleet proved instrumental in bolstering UN defenses against a major offensive by the Chinese Communist forces.  He also played a key role in strengthening the South Korean Army, notably through his contributions to the establishment and development of the South Korean Military Academy.

General Van Fleet developed a deep affection for South Korea, even referring to it as his "second home."  However, the statue that once stood in his honor in front of the Korean Military Academy library now faces away from the street, a lonely testament to a complex legacy.

• "You are fighting to stop armed aggression and maintain peace not only in Korea but in your respective homelands. This renewed battle is for the preservation of life, liberty and the right to the pursuit of happiness of all free men. These are fundamental in the rights of man – the rock upon which our civilization is founded – and they are the first rights which communism denies its own people. The time has come when all men of the free and decent world must steel their souls to face the desperate, bitter and uncompromising battle with armed Communist aggression. Our strength rests on the solid foundation of belief in God and the rights of man rather than on the will of dictators, imposed through cruelty and complete disregard of human rights." - Gen. James Van Fleet in korea

• In battle, the team is the team, and each member has his job to do. - Gen. James Van Fleet in korea

• We must give our fullest measure of devotion to our cause. - Gen. James Van Fleet in korea

• The outcome of this battle will affect the future of mankind. - Gen. James Van Fleet in korea

Additional resources:

The Courage of Sacrifice: Inspiring Quotes for Memorial Day and Beyond

Remembering the Sacrifice: Memorial Day Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Freedom's Price: Quotes Reflecting on Sacrifice and Service

Never Forgotten: Quotes Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

A Commitment to Duty and Unity, Harold G. Moore's Leadership in 'We Were Soldiers

22 Quotes about Soldiers & Army

Motivational Quotes To Inspire You.

#Korean War #General MacArthur #General Walker #General Van Fleet #Incheon Landing #Pusan Perimeter #United Nations forces #Korean Military Academy #North Korean invasion #Chinese Communist offensive #Leadership #Leader

Quote of the Day: Determination in Leadership by General Paik's words at the Battle of Dabu-dong

Quote of the Day

I will lead you at the front and if I retreat you shoot me dead!

- General Paik Sun-yup at the Battle of Dabu-dong in the Korean War-

Quote of the Day

The quotation originates from General Paik Sun-yup, a revered soldier from South Korea, during the intense Battle of Dabu-dong, a pivotal moment in the Korean War. This battle played a crucial role in halting the North Korean advance towards Daegu and significantly contributed to the success of General MacArthur's Incheon Landing Operation, a decisive turning point in the conflict.

General Paik's words epitomize his unwavering determination to lead his troops without retreat. He solemnly declared that he would lead from the front, and if he were to falter, his soldiers were to take decisive action. This statement underscores his profound commitment to his duties as a leader and his readiness to fulfill his role in times of war. It stands as a testament to General Paik's exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to his country.

Another poignant quotation from General Paik Sun-yup echoes the depth of his patriotism: "Without my country, I cannot exist."

Without my country I cannot exist.

- General Paik Sun-yup -

Motivational English Quotes To Inspire You.

#General Paik Sun-yup #Battle of Dabu-dong #Korean War #Leadership #Determination #Commitment #Sacrifice #Military Leadership

Quote of the Day - George S. Patton's Quote: The Value of Giving Your Best

If a man does his best, what else is there?

- George S. Patton -

General George S. Patton's quote emphasizes the importance of effort and doing one's best, suggesting that nothing more is required beyond that, as he emphasized this principle. This saying serves as a great reminder that striving and giving our best is what truly matters.

George Smith Patton Jr. (1885 - 1945) was a general in the United States Army who commanded the Seventh United States Army in the Mediterranean Theater of World War II, and the Third United States Army in France and Germany after the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. General Patton is known as an outstanding military strategist, and he achieved success in several important operations under his command in the United States Army. His charisma and resolute leadership skills influenced many people.

Motivational English Quotes To Inspire You.

#George S. Patton #General #Effort #Doing one's best #Striving #Giving our best #Significance

Topics : 22 Quotes about Soldiers & Army

Sweat more in training, bleed less in war.

- Spartan Warrior -

We express gratitude to those who have sacrificed everything for the freedom we experience every single day. The men and women of the Armed Forces deserve to be respected every day!

• I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. - Alexander the Great : Ancient Greek Military General -

• I will either find a way, or make one. - Hannibal Barca : Carthaginian General -

• If you intend to die, you'll be alive. But if you intend to be alive, you'll die. - Admiral Yi Sun-Sin -

• The battlefield is a scene of constant chaos. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemies. - Napoleon Bonaparte -

• Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. - Napoleon Bonaparte -

• Victory belongs to the most persevering. - Napoleon Bonaparte -

• Old soldiers never die; They just fade away. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur -

• In war, there is no substitute for victory. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur -

• The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur -

• Duty, Honor, Country ‒ those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur -

• The enemy is in front of us, the enemy is behind us, the enemy is to the right and to the left of us. They can't get away this time! - Gen. Douglas MacArthur -

• I realize that Inchon is a 500-to-1 gamble, but I am used to taking such odds. We shall land at Inchon and I shall crush them. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Korean War -

• Beware not the enemy from 'without' but the enemy from 'within'. - Gen. Douglas MacArthur -

• The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war. - Admiral Hyman Rickover -

• I will lead you at the front and if I retreat you shoot me dead! - By General Baek Seon-yeop at the Battle of Dabu-dong in Korean War-

• Without my country I cannot exist. - General Baek Seon-yeop -

• Because you soldiers rest here, our country stands tall with pride. - Gen. Chae Myeong-shin : Headquarters of Republic of Korea Forces in Vietnam -

• We are a small nation, but strong. Peace-loving, yet ready to fight for our lives and our country. The supreme efforts will be demanded of you, the troops, fighting in the air, on the land, and on the sea. Our security rests with you. - Gen. Moshe Dayan : 1967 Third Arab-Israeli War / Six-Day War -

• If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies. - Gen. Moshe Dayan : 1977 -

• I have traveled a long road from the battlefield to the peace table. - Gen. Moshe Dayan : 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty -

• Don't lecture me on patriotism, Speaker. I've served this country with distinction for 40 years. I've spilled blood for our nation. What have you, a self-serving elected official, done for your country? - Gen. David Hilberry Berger -

Motivational English Quotes To Inspire You.

#patriotism #honor #courage #victory #country #soldiers #military #peace #General