Chester W. Nimitz

“Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

“They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation.”

“God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.”

“Luck can be attributed to a well-conceived plan.”

“Hindsight is always 20/20.”

“Having risked everything, he has gained everything.”

“I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death.”

“The war against Japan has been won. It was a long and costly struggle.”

“Leadership consists of picking good men and helping them do their best.”

“It is the function of the Navy to carry the war to the enemy so that it is not fought on U.S. soil.”

“We have learned, the bitter way, that there is no leverage in a lie.”

“The U.S. Navy is not a floating democracy. We have a chain of command, and you will obey it.”

“Some of the best advice I've had comes from junior officers and enlisted men.”