20 War is Hell Quotes From the Classic War Movie

Fans of war movies will love these War is Hell quotes!

War is Hell was released in 1961 internationally and in 1963 in the U.S. as an American war movie set during the Korean War.

The movie was written, directed, and produced by Burt Topper and narrated by Audie Murphy.

The movie stars Baynes Barron, Michael Bell, Bobby Byles, and Wally Campo, among other actors.

The plot of the movie follows American Sergeant Keefer, who is a bloodthirsty egomaniac that is willing to risk the lives of others for his supposed victories.

When a cease-fire is ordered, Sgt. Keefer does not tell his troops as he is more concerned with receiving recognition for overtaking an enemy bunker full of enemy troops that agreed to a truce.

The Sgt. hides like a coward but sends his troops in to secure the bunker where the Americans lose many men, but end up securing the bunker.

Take a look at these War is Hell quotes to learn more about the movie.

You will also enjoy our article on Saving Private Ryan quotes.

Best War is Hell Quotes

Here are some of the most memorable lines from the film.

1. “I’m tired, but I’m alive.” — Private Joe Hardy

2. “There’s no such thing as a good war, only good soldiers.” — Sergeant Hanley

3. “The good guys always win.” — Private Carl

4. “It’s hard to keep track of who’s who in a war.” — Lieutenant Chet Davis

5. “This is no time for heroes, just men who can follow orders.” — Lieutenant Chet

6. “I hate to think of myself as a killer, but that’s what I am.” — Private Joe Hardy

7. “I’ve got a feeling we’re going to be knee-deep in trouble before this is over.” — Private Carney

8. “You just can’t get good help these days.” — Sergeant Hanley

9. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not planning on dying today.” — Private Tony Pope

10. “The enemy isn’t playing games, and neither are we.” — Lieutenant Chet Davis

War is Hell Quotes About Soldier Life and Fighting

These quotes give a soldier’s perspective on war and fighting.

11. “I’m beginning to feel like a clay pigeon at a shooting gallery.” — Private Tony Pope

12. “You know, I’ve been thinking. What we need around here is a good cook.” — Private Carney

13. “We’re here to do a job, and that job is to win.” — Lieutenant Chet Davis

14. “If I live through this, I’m going to be a monk.” — Private Joe Hardy

15. “You just don’t know who you can trust these days.” — Private Spence

16. “I’d rather be a coward and live than a hero and die.” — Private Joe Hardy

17. “We’re not going to win this war by being nice guys.” — Corporal Bill “Mac” McGee

18. “It’s a long war, Mac. It’s a damn long war.” — Corporal Bill “Mac” McGee

19. “I don’t want to kill anybody, but if it comes down to me or him, it’s going to be him.” — Private Spence

20. “War is a funny thing. It makes you do things you’d never do otherwise.” — Corporal Bill “Mac” McGee

What Happens to Sergeant Keefer?

After he orders the massacre, he takes the credit for taking over the bunker and tells his superiors his men were cowards.

However, a group of retaliating communists kill Sergeant Keefer before he can receive his medal.

Although he is a coward, another Sergeant covers up Keefer’s actions allowing him to receive the medal he craved posthumously.

Please share these War is Hell quotes with your friends and family and post any comments about the movie in the comment section below.