he did not feel the need to actually state the obvious.

All supposition. The fact is that only one thing of any importance – THAT YOU END UP ON THE WINNING SIDE was the statement made and that is a fact. Only one thing = It is only this. Of any importance = nothing else is important. Tell us how it can possibly mean anything else.

We all have family who fought in various wars. No one else is saying that there is only one thing that matters.