George Douratsos enlisted in the Greek Army upon graduation from high school and rose through the ranks to General. In April of 1941, as Commander of Fort Roupel, Douratsos fiercely defended Greek land from German bombardment and delayed the Nazi invasion.

Though resistance became futile, General Douratsos responded to the German Commander with the historic phrase, “Forts do not surrender. They get captured.” Douratsos agreed to end the resistance only after he received an official order from Athens. General Douratsos, a national hero, received numerous honors for excellence and valor. He retired on May 10, 1950 and lived the remainder of his life, until November 12, 1981, with the family of his brother Antonios.