Walter Model quotes

Walter Model was a German field marshal recognized for his defensive expertise during World War II. Often called "Hitler’s fireman," he was deployed in crisis situations on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. He became known for his tenacity and ability to delay enemy advances under challenging circumstances. Here are 16 of his quotes:

He who leads troops has no right to think about himself.

Walter Model

Behr, I cannot imagine that I, as a Field Marshal, the one who out of conviction in victory for my country am responsible for the deaths of hundreds of my soldiers, should now emerge from these woods to approach Montgomery, or the Americans, with my hands in the air and say 'Here I am. Field Marshal Model, I Surrender.

Walter Model

We have lost a battle, but I assure to you that we will not lose the war! I cannot say more at the present moment although I know the losses are crowded in your minds. That this happened does not hold importance. What counts is not to lose confidence in the future of Germany. At the same time everyone must understand the gravity of the situation. This moment will be enough to distinguish the true men from the inept ones. Every soldier has the same responsibilities: if the advancing one falls, another must be ready to take his place in order to go on.

Walter Model

Mein Führer, who commands The Ninth Army, you or I?

Walter Model

Has everything been done to justify our actions in the light of history? What can there be left for a commander in defeat? In antiquity they took poison.

Walter Model

I fully subscribe to those words with my special thanks to all officers, noncommissioned officers and men for the attitude displayed during this fighting.

Walter Model

Every minute that we lose will cost us great losses later that we will not be able to afford. We must push forward now, otherwise we risk everything. Hurry yourself with the technical aspects, a lot of time has already been lost.

Walter Model

With regard to himself, Field Marshal Model allowed no compromise and was ruthless, but he was indulgent to the men in the front lines who adored him. He demanded nothing for himself.

Walter Model

Field Marshal Model was a bold, inexhaustible soldier, who knew the front well and who won the confidence of his men by his habitual disregard for his personal safety. He had no time for lazy or incompetent subordinates. He carried out his intentions in a most determined fashion. He was the best possible man to perform the fantastically difficult task of reconstructing a line in centre of the Eastern Front.

Walter Model

The best Kamerad inside the pocket will be the Kamerad outside the pocket.

Walter Model

My Soldiers are My Children.

Walter Model

My Soldiers are My Children. (Meine Soldaten sind Meine Kinder)

Walter Model

His firm belief in God, his homeliness and an strongly developed love for his family, as well as his heartfelt pleasure in men and nature, consummated the one of the most outstanding soldiers in World War 2. In the most intimate circles it was said of him, "Without fear and fault."

Walter Model

Did you see that eye? I trust that man to do it, but I wouldn't want to serve under him.

Walter Model