Top 2 Quotes & Sayings by Oliver P. Smith

Explore popular quotes and sayings by a military man Oliver P. Smith.
Last updated on December 2, 2024.
Oliver P. Smith

Oliver Prince Smith was a U.S. Marine four star general and decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is most noted for commanding the 1st Marine Division during the first year of the Korean War, and notably during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he said "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction." He retired at the rank of four-star general, being advanced in rank for having been specially commended for heroism in combat.

Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction. — © Oliver P. Smith
Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction.
I'm going to fight my way out, I'm going to take all my equipment and all my wounded and as many dead as I can. If we can't get out this way, this Division will never fight as a unit again.
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