Fighter's Words

To 57-year-old Major General George S. Patton--hard as carborundum and sometimes twice as rough--went his second D.S.M. last week, to be added to one of the finest collections of ribbons in the Army. He got it for distinguished service in the capture of Casablanca, where he was in command.

With characteristic drama, Tanker Patton took the surrender of Casablanca's commander with two pearl-handled automatics on his hips, a tommy-gun in the crook of his arm. But another side of Georgie Patton, the smart leadership that makes him a soldier's soldier, was clearly shown in his pre-invasion order of the day, released last week by the War Department.

True to his (and the Army's) favorite doctrine, Patton's order laid out for every soldier the nature of his mission. It also warned that considerate treatment must be given the French--"It is regrettable that we must destroy all of these gallant foes who oppose us and who at heart are sympathetic to us, but such is the stern necessity of war." It concluded:

"When the great day of battle comes remember your training and remember above all that speed and violence of attack are the sure road to success, and you must succeed--for to retreat is as cowardly as it is fatal. Indeed, once landed, retreat is impossible. Americans do not surrender.

"During the first few days and nights after you get ashore, you must work unceasingly, regardless of sleep, regardless of food. A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.

"The eyes of the world are watching us; the heart of America beats for us; God is with us. On our victory depends the freedom or slavery of the human race. We shall surely win."

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