[November 21, 2025] In early June 1944, the Commander of the U.S. Third Army, General George S. Patton, delivered what is considered his most famous speech. The Allied invasion of France, code-named Overlord, was about to begin. For those who watched the motion picture “Patton,” you will never forget the opening scene, as actor George C. Scott portrayed it in a toned-down version. But why was this speech so significant?
To answer that question, we need to understand the basic qualities of a leader. Indeed, a leader is someone who knows where they are going. A leader can’t lead if there is no destination, and a destination implies an ethic. Then, the destination must be communicated, ideally through a story, so that everyone can understand it.
Most of the people I know say that Patton’s speech was mainly about inspiring his troops. “Motivating people” is a management skill often described loosely as cheerleading, usually involving short-term efforts. However, any leader is more focused on long-term success in encouraging people to do what they are asked to do.
What Patton does in his speech is figure out what is worth doing—stopping the Nazi war machine—and then explains to his troops the reasons for pursuing that noble goal. Patton clearly communicates this in a way that also appeals to the troops’ sense of purpose. In his own words, he tells his soldiers why the war they are about to fight is eminently justifiable, and more defensible than anything else we could be doing.
Patton tells his audience what’s in it for himself—honor and moral righteousness—and shares what’s in it for them—the same. He explains why his troops, under his command, advance the Allied war effort and also benefit personally. Recognizing that much of his army is made up of conscripts, he emphasizes their ‘voluntary’ participation in combat from this point onward.
For Patton, it was crucial for the Allied victory over Germany that everyone in his army willingly accepted their role; otherwise, they would not be able to win the upcoming battles. He understood this psychological aspect perfectly. We know from Psychological that voluntary participation is much more sustainable and effective than when troops are forced into combat.
General Patton understood that he could use force through his direct orders to ensure his troops followed commands. However, he realized that enforcement costs were so high that voluntary participation would eventually lead to greater success over time. He achieved this by clearly stating his goal to destroy the German army and then informing soldiers of their roles in that effort. He also explained how victory would benefit their personal lives.
Patton understood that by doing this, he wouldn’t have to dominate his troops, allowing them to operate more independently and with internal motivation to push forward even in the toughest combat situations.
In effect, Patton was telling them that they were all in the same boat and that their destination is an adventure and interesting. Everyone has a role to play. We’re all in this together. And, it’s working out for each of us.
Here is what he also tells them: return to your barracks and think about ways to improve your life. Then, consider how participating in Operation Overlord is a crucial part of it. We know from modern psychology that if we do this—reflect on our life and then integrate our work—we will perform better in the long run.
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Before reading this article by Gen. Satterfield, I recommend you read the entire speech by General Patton in full. That way, you get a flavor of the speevch (but not the tone of it). Imagine if you will, the movie PATTON with George C. Scott portraying Patton and that is a good start to what it must have been like. Patton, himself, has a high voice, but ultimately it is HOW the speech is delivered and with the right tone, the speech would be (and was) both great and goes down in history as one of the best during recorded wartime. Gen. S. Thanks for reminding us of this speech and the real purpose behind it, for future successes of his Third Army. Love it.❤️
GREAT SPEECH …. NUFF SAID
Yep, nuff said. But better. Half of a speech is setting the goal and telling folks how you plan to get there with their help. The second half, as others have noted, is the delivery. We don’t know how it was delivered but can surmise that it was delivered well given that it was the famous General Patton. Who would want to tell their friends and relatives that they weren’t doing anything of value during the war. We see that today among many politicians who lie about their military service, often claiming to have been in combat when they weren’t. Blumenthal and Tampon Tim immediately come to mind. They all exaggerate but these two were caught. Others too. Shows how much we value combat veterans over politicians.
Indeed, Boy Sue, this is why I come to Gen. Satterfield’s website and also to see if he is publishing another book. Be sure to get ‘55 rules for a good life’ and you will appreciate my suggestion that you also get extra copies to give away to young folks.
Wow, first comment this early morning. I do agree with you, sir, that this speech by Gen. Patton is far more important that many realize then, or even know now. Patton is setting the conditions of future success. I wouldn’t want to tell my grandchildren that during the war – aka World War II – that all I was doing was shoveling shit in Louisiana (Fort Polk, LA). LOL.