Powerful WWII Quotes, Famous Sayings, and Messages from the Greatest Generation
World War II produced some of the most memorable, inspiring, and sobering words ever spoken. From battlefield commanders and frontline soldiers to political leaders, wartime journalists, and civilians caught in the storm, their voices continue to echo across history.
These World War 2 quotes capture the courage, sacrifice, determination, and tragic cost of a conflict that reshaped the world. Whether delivered in speeches, letters home, battlefield dispatches, or moments of quiet reflection, these words preserve the spirit of the era and the resilience of the people who lived it.
Below is a curated and expanded collection of powerful WWII quotes—ideal for research, education, remembrance ceremonies, veterans’ events, and historical storytelling.
“This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” – Winston Churchill (November 10, 1942) Sir Winston Churchill (11/20/1874 — 1/24/1965) was a British politician and statesman who was known for his leadership during WWII. He is regarded as one of […]
Winston Churchill WWII Quote Read More »
“We are not retreating — we are advancing in another direction.” – General Douglas MacArthur General Douglas MacArthur’s famous line, “We are not retreating — we are advancing in another direction,” reflects the bold, uncompromising spirit that defined his career from World War I through the Pacific campaigns of World War II. Known for his
“We Are Not Retreating — We Are Advancing in Another Direction.” – General MacArthur Read More »
“Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle.” -General George S. Patton, Jr. Take a look at these other WWII Posts: WWII Yank Magazine Pin Up: Ingrid Bergman WWII Today: November 12 WWII Today: November 13
World War II Quote “Americans Love to Fight” – Patton Read More »
“Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself.” — President F.D. Roosevelt referring to Douglas MacArthur Franklin Delano Roosevelt (01/30/1882 — 04/12/1945), also known by his initials FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and the only president elected into more than two terms in office. FDR was a central figure in world events
President Roosevelt Quote about Douglas MacArther Read More »
“Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force: You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you….I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle.” – Order of the Day, 6 June, 1944
June 6 – D Day – General Dwight D. Eisenhower Quote Read More »
WWII Quote of the Day: May 13: Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends. – General Dwight D. Eisenhower
“Acclaim earned in blood” – General Eisenhower Quote Read More »
“You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass.” – Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (04/04/1884 — 04/18/1943) was a Naval Marshal General and the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during WWII. A graduate of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy and a student of Harvard University
WW2 Quote Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto Read More »
No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country. – General George S. Patton Take a look at these other Posts: World War II Pin Up: Anne Gwynne World War II: May 14 WWII Today:
“No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country” – Patton Read More »
“Hell is on us.” – Mamoru Shigemitsu , June 1944 (capture of Saipan) Mamoru Shigemitsu (07/29/1887 — 01/26/1957) was appointed ambassador to the Nanjing Nationalist Government two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor and by the end of WWII was the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs. He came into that position on April 20,
Mamoru Shigemitsu Quote “Hell is on us.” Read More »
“I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” – J.R.R. Tolkien John Ronald Reuel Tolkein, CBE (01/03/1892 — 09/02/1973) was an English writer, university professor, poet, and philologist. J.R.R. Tolkein was best known as
WWII Quote from J.R.R. Tolkien Read More »
