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Ernest King
65 quotes
“Don't tell them anything. When it's over, tell them who won.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's reply when asked for a public relations strategy for the U.S. Navy in World War II. As quoted in Dictionary of Military and Naval Quotations (1966) by Robert Heinl, p. 258
“Every naval officer has a job to do. He should do that job out of a sense of duty and should not get recognition for having done what he has been trained to do. His only reward should be the satisfaction of knowing that he has done the job well and to the best of his ability.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Said to Betsy Matter during World War II, as quoted by Thomas B. Buell, Master of Sea Power: A Biography of Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King (1980), Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, hardcover, p. 380-381
“Initiative means freedom to act, but it does not mean freedom to act in an offhand or casual manner.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted by Robert A. Fitton (editor) in Leadership: Quotations From the Military Tradition (1990), p. 126
“I don't know much about this thing called logistics. All I know is that I want some.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted by Robert A. Fitton (editor) in Leadership: Quotations From the Military Tradition (1990), p. 172
“Discipline is willing obedience to attain the greatest good by the greatest number. It means [the] laying aside, for the time being, of ordinary everyday go-as-you-please and do-what-you-like. It means one for all and all for one- teamwork. It means a machine- not of inert metal, but one of living men- an integrated human machine in which each does his part and contributes his full share.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted by Robert A. Fitton (editor) in Leadership: Quotations From the Military Tradition (1990), p. 281
“Anyone who won't take a chance now and then isn't worth a damn.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Remark on participating in hazardous bad-weather training flights alongside his aviators aboard USS Lexington (CV-2) while King was Chief of the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics. "Lady Lex" was the last ship King comma…
“I don't care how good they are. Unless they get a kick in the ass every six weeks, they'll slack off.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1940 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's comment on maintaining a strict style of leadership, in particular constantly holding drills and inspections among his sailors and officers, in 1940 when he was a 2-star rear admiral. As quoted in American Warlor…
“It must be the key idea of all hands that we will make the best of what we have.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1939 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Excerpt from Atlantic Fleet Confidential Memorandum 2CM-41, sent on 24 March 1941. As quoted in History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Volume One: The Battle of the Atlantic, September 1939-May 1943 …
“I expect the officers of the Atlantic Fleet to be the leaders of what may be called the pioneering spirit- to lead in the determination that the difficulties and discomforts- personnel, materiel, operations, waiting- shall be dealt with as "enemies" to be overcome by our own efforts.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1939 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Excerpt from Atlantic Fleet Confidential Memorandum 2CM-41, sent on 24 March 1941. As quoted in History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Volume One: The Battle of the Atlantic, September 1939-May 1943 …
“There is work in plenty for all hands- officers and men.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1939 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Excerpt from Atlantic Fleet Confidential Memorandum 2CM-41, sent on 24 March 1941. As quoted in History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Volume One: The Battle of the Atlantic, September 1939-May 1943 …
“The way to victory is long. The going will be hard. We will do the best we can with what we've got. We must have more planes and ships- at once. Then it will be our turn to strike. We will win through- in time.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1931 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's first statement as Commander-in-Chief, United States fleet, sent on 24 December 1941. As quoted in History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Volume Three: The Rising Sun in the Pacific, 1931-Apri…
“No fighter ever won his fight by covering up- by merely fending off the other fellow's blows. The winner hits and keeps on hitting even though he has to take some stiff blows in order to be able to keep on hitting.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Excerpt from a late March 1942 memorandum King wrote to President Roosevelt, urging against adopting the policy of those most concerned with defending the continental United States. It is unknown if the memorandum was a…
“Machines are as nothing without men. Men are as nothing without morale.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Graduation address at the United States Naval Academy, 16 June 1942, as quoted by Robert A. Fitton (editor) in Leadership: Quotations From the Military Tradition (1990), p. 193
“CINCUS to Vandegrift for his flyers- Many happy returns Sunday and congratulations- Keep knocking them off.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Dispatch from King to then-Major General Alexander Vandegrift, commander of the 1st Marine Division, during the Battle of Guadalcanal in late August 1942. As quoted in Once A Marine: The Memoirs of General A.A. Vandegri…
“Dear Mr. President: It appears proper that I should bring to your notice the fact that the record shows that I shall attain the age of 64 years on November 23rd next- one month from today. I am as always at your service. Most sincerely yours, Ernest J. King Admiral, U.S. Navy”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Letter from King to Franklin D. Roosevelt on 23 October 1942, notifying the President that King was about to reach mandatory retirement age, at which time he could only be kept in the Navy at the desire of the President…
“(1) Defensive phase... a boxer covering up. (2) Defensive-offensive phase... a boxer covering up while seeking an opening to counterpunch. (3) Offensive-defensive phase... blocking punches with one hand while hitting with the other. (4) Offensive phase... hitting with both hands.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's predicted four phases of World War II for the United States and the Allies, made while conversing with reporters in Alexandria, Virginia on 30 November 1942. As quoted by Thomas B. Buell in his book Master of Sea…
“In the last analysis, Russia will do nine-tenths of the job of defeating Germany.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Prediction made by King when speaking to reporters in Alexandria, Virginia on 30 November 1942. As quoted by Thomas B. Buell, Master of Sea Power: A Biography of Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King (1980), Annapolis: Naval Ins…
“I'd say they started something at Pearl Harbor that they are not going to finish. We are going to win this war.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From Time magazine's interview with King, Volume XL, Number 23 (December 7, 1942), p. 30
“Our days of victory are in the making.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Remark by King in March 1942, as quoted in Time magazine's interview with King, Volume XL, Number 23 (December 7, 1942), p. 31
“It's going to be a long war. We will really hit our stride in about a year's time... Our two-ocean Navy is not yet in service. The smaller ships for it will begin to come into service around Thanksgiving or Christmas. The plain fact is we haven't got the tools. Some of our critics would have us do everything everywhere all at once. It can't be done with what we have to work with.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From an address during a 1942 visit to Cleveland, Ohio, and Lorain, Ohio, as quoted from Time magazine's interview with King, Volume XL, Number 23 (December 7, 1942), p. 31
“I have a philosophy that when you have a commander in the field, let him know what you want done and then let him alone. I have two other philosophies. One is: Do the best you can with what you have. The other is: Do not worry about water over the dam.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From Time magazine's interview with King, Volume XL, Number 23 (December 7, 1942), p. 32.
“We knew what Nimitz was doing. He did the right thing, and we let him alone.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Comment on Chester Nimitz's role in the Battle of Midway in Time magazine's interview with King, Volume XL, Number 23 (December 7, 1942), p. 33
“We hear a great deal of clamor from time to time for unity of command. That's a loose term and has come to be widely used by people who don't have the full facts. Actually, many good officers are not qualified or competent to exercise unified command, but we keep on hearing amateurs suggest that some one man be called in to exercise sweeping control over all things military.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1942 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From Time magazine's interview with King, Volume XL, Number 23 (December 7, 1942), p. 33
“Stalin knew just what it was he wanted when he came to Teheran, and he got it. Stalin is a stark realist, and there is no foolishness about him. He speaks briefly and directly to the point- not a wasted word.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1943 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Remark to reporters on 28 November 1943 during the Tehran Conference, as quoted by Thomas B. Buell, Master of Sea Power: A Biography of Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King (1980), Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, hardcover, p…
“Well done, Frank Knox. We dedicate ourselves, one and all, to what surely would have been his last order- 'Carry On!'”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1944 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's public written response to the death of Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox on April 28, 1944, as quoted in Battle Stations! Your Navy In Action (1946) by Admirals of the U.S. Navy, p. 243
“SUSPEND ALL OFFENSIVE ACTION. REMAIN ALERT.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1945 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's final wartime message to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander, United States Pacific Fleet, sent by cable on August 14, 1945. As quoted in American Warlords: How Roosevelt's High Command Led America To Vict…
“Well, it's all over. I wonder what I'm going to do tomorrow.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1945 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Remark to Neil K. Dietrich on 14 August 1945; King had just learned that President Harry Truman was going to announce Japan's decision to surrender unconditionally to the Allied powers. As quoted by Thomas B. Buell, Mas…
“I can best stress the importance of the U.S. Navy to the American people when I state that without sea power on our side the United States would never have become a nation, would not have continued to exist as a nation, and even more specifically would not have won the great World War just so successfully concluded.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1946 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From King's Foreword in Battle Stations! Your Navy In Action (1946) by Admirals of the U.S. Navy, p. 9
“The part of the U.S. Navy alone in this war was stupendous. And I wish here to acknowledge our debt not only to the men and women of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and their several Women's Reserves, but also to those innumerable civilians who aided the Navy's war effort.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1946 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From King's Foreword in Battle Stations! Your Navy In Action (1946) by Admirals of the U.S. Navy, p. 10
“On the evening of December 8, therefore, after the Japanese had bombed the airfields and destroyed many of General MacArthur's planes, our submarines and motor torpedo boats, which were still in Philippine water, were left with the task of impeding the enemy's advance.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1946 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From King's report on the Japanese attack on the Philippines, as quoted in Battle Stations! Your Navy In Action (1946) by Admirals of the U.S. Navy, p. 180
“Calculating risks does not mean taking a gamble. It is more than figuring the odds. It is not reducible to a formula. It is the analysis of all factors which collectively indicate whether or not the consequences to ourselves will be more than compensated for by the damage to the enemy or interference with his plans. Correct calculation of risks, by orderly reasoning, is the responsibility of every naval officer who participates in combat, and many who do not.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The war has been variously termed a war of production and a war of machines. Whatever else it is, so far as the United States is concerned, it is a war of logistics.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is no easy matter in a global war to have the right materials in the right places at the right times in the right quantities.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Battle of Midway was the first decisive defeat suffered by the Japanese Navy in 350 years. Furthermore, it put an end to the long period of Japanese offensive action, and restored the balance of naval power in the Pacific. The threat to Hawaii and the west coast was automatically removed, and except for operations in the Aleutians area, where the Japanese had landed on the islands of Kiska and Attu, enemy operations were confined to the south Pacific. It was to this latter area, therefore, that we gave our greatest attention.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Battle of Guadalcanal, in spite of heavy losses we sustained, was a decisive victory for us, and our position in the southern Solomons was not threatened again seriously by the Japanese. Except for the "Tokio express," which from time to time succeeded in landing small quantities of supplies and reinforcements, control of the sea and air in the southern Solomons passed to the United States.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The operations in the Marshall Islands carried out by the forces under Vice Admiral Spruance were characterized by excellent planning and by almost perfect timing in the execution of those plans. The entire operation was a full credit to those who participated, and it is a noteworthy example of the results that may be expected from good staff work.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Both in Europe and in the Pacific long roads still lie ahead. But we are now fully entered on those roads, fortified with unity, power, and experience, imbued with confidence and determined to travel far and fast to victory.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“While we contemplate with pride the accomplishments of the past twelve months- accomplishments without precedent in naval history- we must never forget that there is a long, tough and laborious road ahead.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The end of the war came before we had dared to expect it. As late as August 1943 strategic studies drawn up by the British and United States planners contemplated the war against Japan continuing far into 1947. Even the latest plans were based upon the Japanese war lasting a year after the fall of Germany. Actually Japan's defeat came within three months of Germany's collapse. The nation can be thankful that the unrelenting acceleration of our power in the Pacific ended the war in 1945.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I'll never forgive the Army for not taking at least part of the blame for Pearl Harbor. That was why I didn't like Stimson.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's comment after the war on Henry L. Stimson, who was United States Secretary of War during World War II, while speaking to Commander Walter Muir Whitehill, who wrote King's memoirs for him. As quoted in American Wa…
“I didn't like the atom bomb or any part of it.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1950 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's comment to Commander Whitehill on July 4, 1950, which was transcribed in Whitehill's notes. As quoted in The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb and the Architecture of an American Myth (1995) by Gar Alperovitz, p. 3…
“To the Class of 1901, United States Naval Academy.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The United States has never had the tradition of a military class. The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Services, and the officers and enlisted men of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are drawn from all classes of American life and must be trained from scratch.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Fourth, Lieutenant Commander Edward Ellsberg, Construction Corps, the salvage officer, was in direct personal charge of the actual salvage work and diving operations; his technical knowledge and resourcefulness were adequate for all of the innumerable setbacks and difficulties; he developed an improved underwater cutting torch, worked out the technique of handling the pontoons, learned to dive during the months the actual operations were suspended and actually went down on the wreck some three times during the spring operations; he was the embodiment of perseverance and determination.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“a. Would it further threaten or cut Japanese lines of communications? b. Would it contribute to the attainment of positions of readiness from which a full-scale offensive could be launched against Japan?”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Do the best you can with what you have. Do not worry about water that has gone over the dam. Difficulties exist to be overcome.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Dear Harriet: I have your letter of January 6th- and am interested to learn that you have to do my biography as part of your English work. As to your questions: I drink a little wine, now and then. I smoke about one pack of cigarettes a day. I think I like Spencer Tracy as well as any of the movie stars. My hobby is cross-word puzzles- when they are difficult. My favorite sport is golf- when I can get to play it- otherwise, I am fond of walking. Hoping that all will go well with your English work, I am, Very truly yours, E.J. KING Admiral, U.S. Navy”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1943 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: King's reply to a sixth grade student in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, who wrote King a letter in January 1943 asking if he drank or smoked and what his favorite movie star, hobby and sport might be. Cited on p. 651
“The seeming helplessness of our cousins strikes me as amusing when it is not annoying. I am sure what they wish in their hearts is that we would haul down the Stars and Stripes and hoist the White Ensign in all our ships. What particularly irks me is their strong liking for mixed forces, which as you know approached anathema to me. I am willing to take over additional tasks- and we have done so- but I cannot be expected to agree to help them cling to tasks that they themselves say they are unable to do unless we lend them our ships and other forces. I think we have done enough for them in their Home Fleet.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1943 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: In a letter from King to Admiral Harold B. Stark in November 1943, as quoted in Churchill's Anchor: Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound (2000) by Robin Brodhurst.
“The day after Pearl Harbor our Navy's position in the Pacific was extremely grave. The bulk of our major ships had been put out of commission for a year; only our small Asiatic Fleet under Admiral Hart in the Philippines and portions of the Pacific Fleet that had been absent from Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack were in fighting condition in the Pacific. Even Hawaii might be attacked and overrun at any moment. And in the Atlantic the Axis submarines were destroying a tremendous tonnage of our shipping within sight of our very shores. Then, even at the lowest of the war tide, the decision was made, and correctly: first fight for time, especially in the Pacific- and then assemble the might to conquer first Italy and then Germany, and then inevitably Japan must succumb.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1946 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From King's Foreword in Battle Stations! Your Navy In Action (1946) by Admirals of the U.S. Navy, p. 10
“Nor is the Navy content to rest on its present laurels. Long a leader in invention and research, our Navy is already studying new weapons, new methods- the atomic bomb and guided missiles, for instance. Whatever new weapons, or defenses against new weapons, science can develop, the U.S. Navy intends to incorporate them into itself to make sure that the Navy shall always be strong enough to perform its historic function of defense of our own country and of offense against enemy countries. It is to be hoped that every American will exert his effort and influence to see that goal is achieved- that the U.S. Navy will always remain, as it is today, the world's greatest sea power.”
Ernest King (1878–1956) first seen 1946 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From King's Foreword in Battle Stations! Your Navy In Action (1946) by Admirals of the U.S. Navy, p. 10