A meaningful quote from Lieutenant General Fridolin von Senger und Etterlin, corps commander in charge of the defence at Cassino during World War II:
"What will be the judgement of history on those of us who had the perspicacity and integrity to recognise that defeat was inescapable, yet continued to fight and shed blood?"
To know that defeat was inevitable, to fight in the name of the nation but in actuality for a man whom they despise, to delay the Allies while allowing the dreaded Soviet forces to make further inroads into Germany. Yet to carry out orders to the letter, to continue to execute their duties with professionalism. It takes such courage to bear it. Not just the generals, but the men huddled in their trenches and bunkers at the front line as well. I deeply respect them.
