MacArthur quoted it, but it is much older. Frank Richards used it as the title for his book about the Great War, published in 1933. He took it from a soldier's ballad of that conflict - which was itself a parody of an earlier song.
2 weeks ago | 17
It was MacArthur, if am not mistaken he was addressing the Cadets at West Point Military Academy. It was the last time he spoke in public amongst his peers.
2 weeks ago | 5
Master Yoda said it when he faded away and became a force ghost
2 weeks ago | 4
If you are a veteran you Never Forget. I'm a veteran of the USAF in the 1960's.
2 weeks ago | 2
I am stunned that so few know this. But then this generation knows so little of any American history, especially as distant as Douglas MacArthur.
2 weeks ago | 1
The guy who wanted to bomb North Korea with an atomic bomb who got fired by Eisenhower. Yeah right really great guy.
2 weeks ago | 1
Coming from the source, I would wager that all 4 of the generals would have used the line - but Douglas MacArthur is noted for quoting it in his farewell speech at his retirement.
2 weeks ago | 1
I heard it a different way, old soldiers (and sailors)never die they just smell that way😂
2 weeks ago | 0
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur cited the lyrics of that ballad near the end of his Joint Address of Congress.
2 weeks ago | 0
Ironically, you could say if any soldier did die and did not fade away, it would be Patton. 🫡
2 weeks ago (edited) | 3
There is a song of this title in "Oh What a Lovely War", so it's at least as old as WWI. 🌹
2 weeks ago | 1
As it should be in a democracy, where the reputation continues to be revered, but the command and uniform are permanently retired.
1 week ago | 0
ImpHist
Who said this phrase?
"Old soldiers never die; they just fade away”
Choose the correct answer and share your thoughts about this phrase in the comments.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1,765