Here are some more of my Dad’s favorite quotes about the Infantrymen he served with and loved (as well as a horse he rode) that I used in my book, At First Light. 

These are all cited in At First Light, from Chapters 42-48.

“When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk; he trots  the air; the earth sings when he touches it.” — William Shakespeare, English playwright[1]

“War was the most selfless work I ever did. The experience was dreadful, sobering, and maturing, but when you survived it, it was elevating.” — Unknown[2]

“I’m convinced that the Infantry is the group in the Army which gives more and gets less than anybody else.” — Bill Mauldin, American cartoonist famous for his sardonic drawings about the lives of World War II combat soldier[3]

“Officers and men under my command…established records that were not equaled by others in this war and have not been excelled in any other to my knowledge. In large measure, these magnificent accomplishments…passed without full recognition.” — Lieutenant General Lucian K. Truscott, Jr.[4]

“After weeks or months in the line only a wound can offer him the comfort of safety, shelter, and a bed. Those who are left to fight, fight on, evading death but knowing that with each day of evasion they have exhausted one more chance for survival. Sooner or later, unless victory comes, the chase must end on the litter or in the grave.” — General Omar N. Bradley[5]

“This war proceeds along its terrible path by the slaughter of Infantry. … It is the fighting part that is the true measure of your military, and the only true measure.” — British Prime Minister Winston Churchill[6]

“One cannot go to war and come back normal.” — Richard Proulx, World War II Infantryman, U.S. Army[7]

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[1] Larimore, At First Light, 234.

[2] Ibid, 239.

[3] Ibid, 245.

[4] Ibid, 250.

[5] Ibid, 254.

[6] Ibid, 262.

[7] Ibid, 266.

In case you haven’t read or listened to Dad’s book, you can learn more about it or order it here.

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