Quote by Colonel William Prescott, Battle

Don't one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes.N.B.: A lesser-known version of this quotation was supposedly said by Frederick the Great at Prague in 1757: By push of bayonets, no firing till you see the whites of their eyes.

Don't one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes

Summary

This quote is a directive given during warfare, instructing soldiers to refrain from shooting until their enemy comes within close proximity. The phrase, often attributed to various military leaders, including Frederick the Great, emphasizes the importance of strategic patience and accuracy in battle. By waiting until the whites of their enemy's eyes (revealed during close combat) are visible, soldiers ensure a higher chance of hitting their target effectively. This saying highlights the need for restraint and precision in order to maximize the effectiveness of each shot fired.

Topics

War

By Colonel William Prescott, Battle

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