John F. Kennedy

Tribute To General Douglas MacArthur

delivered 20 January 1962

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[AUTHENTICITY CERTIFIED: Text version below transcribed directly from audio]

I'm proud to join in this much-deserved tribute to General Douglas MacArthur.

I had the honor of serving under General MacArthur in the Solomon Islands in World War II.

And I do not think that there is any doubt that history will record that the strategy which he followed in the Pacific, in bringing about the defeat of Japan under conditions which were adverse and which were fraught with danger, will be considered as one of the great military feat of arms in the history of our country.

His record in the First War and in the Second War, his contribution in moving Japan into a strong democratic position in the days following its collapse, are almost unprecedented.

General MacArthur looks back on a long record which, day by day, has been devoted to strengthening the United States and increasing its influence around the world.

We are in his debt.

And I think it most appropriate, as he approaches the afternoon of this long life, that we all pay him justified tribute.

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