Order in Chaos: The Memoirs of General of Panzer Troops Hermann Balck (Foreign Military Studies)

by Hermann Balck

Balck and General George S. Patton had much in common. Both were dynamic commanders who believed that offensive action was always preferable to defense. “It is quite remarkable,” Balck once noted, “that most people believe that attack costs more casualties. Do not even think about it; attack is the less costly operation. . . . Nothing incurs higher casualties than an unsuccessful defense. Therefore, attack wherever it is possible.”