The reason that the American Navy does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the Americans practice chaos on a daily basis.
Karl DonitzWith the new weapons like the atom bomb, Russia would have it, too, and use it first. It is a very difficult world. But that trouble is imminent is obvious.
Karl DonitzYour American admiral said that he held me in the highest esteem, and thought that I conducted my defense perfectly. He said through his chief of staff that my conduct was beyond reproach and he had the greatest admiration for me.
Karl DonitzOnly ... from personal experience [can a man] take the necessary measures without a preliminary process of trial and error.
Karl DonitzNo attempt of any kind must be made at rescuing members of ships sunk, and this includes picking up persons in the water and putting them in lifeboats, righting capsized lifeboats, and handing over food and water. Rescue runs counter to the most primitive demands of warfare for the destruction of enemy ships and crews. Be hard, remember that the enemy has no regard for women and children when he bombs German cities.
Karl Donitz