Sometime the mystic associated with an unsubstantiated rumor can be powerful enough to make men in combat want to follow this officer and obey his commands because you really don't know what he might do if you screw up.

I served with Marine officers who never raised their voice except to be heard above gunfire however by simply looking in their eyes you were convinced that if you followed them, they would lead you hell and back in one piece. Capt. B.C. Steed USMC.