Of all my accomplishments I may have achieved during the war, I am proudest of the fact that I never lost a wingman.
Interpretation
Valuing the safety and well-being of others over personal achievements is the greatest accomplishment.
This quote expresses deep pride in the ability to protect and support one's allies during difficult times, particularly in the context of war. Erich Hartmann highlights that while personal victories may be significant, the true measure of success lies in the commitment to ensuring that those who depend on you, in this case 'wingmen', remain safe and unharmed.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a military leadership seminar to emphasize the importance of teamwork.
One thing I've learned is this: Never allow yourself to hate a people because of the actions of a few. Hatred and bigotry destroyed my nation, and millions died. I would hope that most people did not hate Germans because of the Nazis, or Americans because of slaves. Never hate, it only eats you alive. Keep an open mind and always look for the good in people. You may be surprised at what you find.
You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation.
We had set out in a rain of flowers to seek the death of heroes. The war was our dream of greatness, power and glory. It was a man's work, a duel on the fields whose flowers would be stained with blood. There is no lovelier death in the world... Anything rather than stay at home, anything to make one with the rest.
In 2001, I was being treated for breast cancer, and I was pretty sure I was going to recover.
Nobody but radicals have ever accomplished anything in a great crisis.
The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.
I was paralyzed from the chest down when I was 19, so I kind of put my head together about dying, and I think I've come to terms with it.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.