We Won’t Do Much Talking
The strategic bombing campaign of the 8th
Air Force played a major part in the eventual Allied victory in Europe. The campaign grew in effectiveness after France was invaded and air superiority gained over the Luftwaffe. Thousands of American bombers swept over northern Europe, penetrating deeper and deeper into German territory.
The beginning of this great buildup was slow and painful. In January 1942 Brig. Gen. Ira Eaker arrived in England to evaluate British bomber operations and to organize the American 8th Bomber Command. In May a small contingent of personnel arrived to set up command headquarters as the actual aircraft were slowly being ferried across the Atlantic. During this time the British continued to fight and bleed almost alone, as no American bombers had yet gone into action against the enemy. In June General Eaker spoke to a group of British dignitaries at High Wycombe, the site of his new headquarters. His words were brief: “We won’t do much talking until we’ve done more fighting. We hope that when we leave you’ll be glad we came.”263
This American officer’s remarks were simple and appropriate. They were appreciated by his audience and received wide publicity at that time. His humility brought great credit to himself and to his nation. We find numerous biblical reminders of the importance of being careful in our speech:
“He who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers” (Proverbs 15:28).
“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint” (Proverbs 17:27).
“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent” (Proverbs 17:28).
“Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 29:20).
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
—James 1:19