Quotes / Frontline General

General Maximilian Veers: Distance to power generators?
Walker pilot: One seven decimal two eight.
Veers: Target, maximum firepower.

— Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Colonel Fritz Bayerlein: Don't you think you had better turn in for an hour or so, sir?
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel: [scoffs] After three weeks of being turned in? Let's head north and go in with the 21st!

— The Desert Fox

Mook: Don't you think you should hang back, sir?
Hertz: The leader who stays in the rear, takes it in the rear. Besides... violence is one of the most fun things to watch.

— Shoot 'Em Up

"It has been my experience that soldiers most fervently follow generals who lead by example."

— Elspeth Tirel, Archetype of Courage, Magic: The Gathering

Saias: Aren't you the enemy tactician? What kind of fool strategist puts himself at the fore of the battle?

Avatar: The kind who knows he'll win.

— Fire Emblem: Awakening, Rogues and Redeemers DLC

Norman Cota: What outfit is this?
Army Ranger: Fifth Rangers!
Norman Cota: Well, God damn it then, Rangers, lead the way!

— Brigadier General Norman Cota and an unknown Ranger, Normandy, June 6 1944

General William Grey: Mr. President, I'd sure like to know what you're doing.
President Thomas Whitmore: (grabs a flight suit) I'm a combat pilot, Will. I belong in the air.

— Independence Day

"But Marius, sending his officers to all parts of the line, exhorted the soldiers to stand firmly in their lines, and when the enemy had got within reach to hurl their javelins, then take to their swords and crowd the Barbarians back with their shields; for since the enemy were on precarious ground their blows would have no force and the locking of their shields no strength, but the unevenness of the ground would keep them turning and tossing about. This was the advice he gave his men, and they saw that he was first to act accordingly; for he was in better training than any of them, and in daring far surpassed them all."

—Plutarch Parallel Lives: The Life of Marius

"If the officers are leading from in front, watch for an attack from the rear."

— Maxim 18, Schlock Mercenary

He could feel the unease coming off the warrior band in waves. But, he'd be with them at the forefront of this battle.

— The Night Unfurls

"I'm not going to sit idly here here while my men fight and die, [...] would you?"

Valka's expression softened. "You're not idle. You were on the bridge."

"Yes," I snapped, "being idle. Where's my sword?"

— The Sun Eater

"All hands, switch to attack plan beta. I will engage the Maray... personally."

—High Admiral Kuushana, Sunrider 4: The Captain's Return

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