I stayed at a 3rd Army camp in Kuwait. After reveille they played Patton’s march by Jerry Goldsmith from the movie Patton. Apparently not everyone appreciated it as much as I did (warning: language). For those of you who’s can only hear George C. Scott’s growl when you think of the General, 24 minutes into the movie you can hear the actual Patton speak.
General Patton was proper Barrack Room Balladeer as well. His last poem (maybe) after the break.
Patton’s Poetry
ABSOLUTE WAR (1944)
Now in war we are confronted with conditions which are strange.
If we accept them we will never win.
Since by being realistic, as in mundane combats fistic,
We will get a bloody nose and that’s a sin.
To avoid such fell disaster, the result of fighting faster,
We resort to fighting carefully and slow.
We fill up terrestrial spaces with secure expensive bases
To keep our tax rate high and death rate low.
But with sadness and with sorrow we discover to our horror
That while we build, the enemy gets set.
So despite our fine intentions to produce extensive pensions
We haven’t licked the dirty bastard yet.
For in war just as in loving, you must always keep on shoving
Or you’ll never get your just reward.
For if you are dilatory in the search for lust and glory
You are up s*** creek and that’s the truth, Oh! Lord.
So let us do real fighting, boring in and gouging, biting.
Let’s take a chance now that we have the ball.
Let’s forget those fine firm bases in the dreary shell raked spaces.
Let’s shoot the works and win! Yes, win it all!
The Ryskind Sketchbook 