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Maxwell D. Taylor Quotes
1901–1987 United States
Maxwell Davenport "Max" Taylor (August 26, 1901 – April 19, 1987) was a senior United States Army officer and U.S. diplomat of the mid-20th century, who served as the fifth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff after having been appointed by President John F. Kennedy.
United States Military leaders Random Maxwell D. Taylor quote
9 quotes
It was one thing to decide to go to West Point, another to get there.
Swords and Plowshares (1972)
As we learned on the American frontier, it is impossible to plant corn outside the stockade until the Indians are driven away.
Responsibility and Response (1967)
A recruit arriving in a new unit feels lonely, homesick, and insecure. Someone has to welcome him when he arrives and make him understand that he is truly wanted. That responsibility is shared by every officer in the channel of command, beginning with the division commander.
Swords and Plowshares (1972)
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
The Uncertain Trumpet (1960)
Give me three days and three nights of hard fighting, and you will be relieved.
We all have a share in it, and none of it is good. There are no heroes, just bums. I include myself in that.
Standing bareheaded at the foot of the reviewing stand, I received the last salute of these gallant soldiers, their ribbons and streamers recalling our battles together. They had put stars on my shoulders and medals on my chest. I owed my future to them, and I was grateful.
Swords and Plowshares (1972)
During my cadet years, West Point was still a military cloister, linked tenuously to the outside world by the West Shore Railway, the excursion boats on the Hudson, and a winding road leading westward into New Jersey. A cadet normally entered the Academy in July and never left it on vacation until his second Christmas. In the meantime, he led a completely regimented life, arising at six, going to bed at ten and rarely having a moment without a duty to occupy it.
Swords and Plowshares (1972)
It seems clear that if we are to avoid the pitfalls of overcommitment and the traps of those who would deplete our strength, we will need realistic, hard-boiled leaders in Washington, capable of discerning our vital interests and then of rallying our friends in their support.
Responsibility and Response (1967)