General Jodl Quotes in Hitler: The Last Ten Days (1973)

[Hitler has been informed that there will be no Steiner attack]

Adolf Hitler: An order of mine has not been executed... that is what we have come to.

[voice rising]

Adolf Hitler: An order of mine has not been executed - you LIED to me! I've been betrayed! Everyone has betrayed me, even the SS! Traitors and cowards, every one of you! You, the cheats of the General Staff!

General Jodl: I must insist, but there are no grounds on such an accusation!

Adolf Hitler: You spent years in military academies, and all you've learned is how to hold a knife and fork. But you understand nothing!

[beats his fist on the table]

Adolf Hitler: NOTHING... about the job of soldiering! I didn't go to a military academy, but I read Clausewitz and Moltke! I didn't even go to a cadet school, but single handed, I conquered Europe and half of Russia! And now you dare to disobey? Cowards! Traitors and cowards!

[stamps his feet]

Adolf Hitler: You'll be the ruin of me, and the ruin of the German people!