Nixon, Chapman & Chafee on Marine Corps and Distinguished Service Medal

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If you would all come this way.

We're going to have to do this road.

Two roads.

Right here?

Right here.

Thank you.

Oh, my God, thank you.

Thank you, gentlemen.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, as you know, we are all gathered here today for a ceremony which has occurred before as far as we've been attracted.

because it marks the 24 years of how this whole thing started out before.

And, well, it's very hard to realize that it took him his life, 36 years, on such occasions, that it's best for us, as I stated, to speak for the record.

And as I stated, he read it on secondary, but I would simply like to say that at the time that I had known him,

to the military officer by his very great ability as an advocate of the Marine Corps and of the uniform that he proudly wears, which he has been splendid in across this country, by the affectionate respect that men of the Marine Corps have for him, and certainly as he pleads his condemnation, he has nothing but a record of pride to look back upon.

I'd also like to say that a Marine wife has to be outstanding, and this is Shep.

And I'd also like to add that

The crew, in a sense, I understand that they discovered me.

As a matter of fact, they decided to take a commission to let me come to the Marine Corps 36 years ago.

as a matter of choice, not because he didn't like the Army, but because he didn't like the Marine Corps.

But in any event, he carried that division on.

And two of his sons became Marines.

Both of them served with this nation in Vietnam.

So we honor today the Marine Corps, we honor its content, and we honor our splendid Marines of battle.

Thank you for your participation.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal, Gold Star, and Louvre of Goods Award to General Leonard S. Chapman II of the United States Marine Corps for services set forth in the following citation.

For a exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States and a duty of great responsibility as prominent of the Marine Corps from February 1969 through December 1971,

A splendid leader with enduring values and great patriotism, General Chapman, during four years as his commandant, led the Marine Corps through the height of the Vietnam conflict in the process of attaining peacetime posture.

With keen foresight and conviction, General Chapman forged the renewed core of the renewed core, emphasizing readiness, quality, and professionalism.

As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Chapman, through his statesmanship and superb understanding of the factors which influence the formulation of national policy, contributed substantially to the development of important policies during a period of vital and unusual significance to the United States.

His wise advice, exceptional judgment, and clarity of vision have been acknowledged in the highest councils of our government.

By his dedicated and distinguished service during more than 36 years of devoted duty, General Chapman has contributed greatly to the success of the United States and friendly forces engaged in the protection of citizens of three nations, thereby upholding and contributing to the highest positions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Signed, Richard Jackson.

Thank you very much.

Well, Mr. President, first I'd like to say that I greatly appreciate the honor that you've done.

I apologize.

I heard the citation read about these last four years.

And I can't help but remark that some of the days have been very long, but the years have gone by pretty fast.

And looking back on them, the things that stand out are very much as one.

Clearly, it is the performance

The dedication and loyalty of some 450,000 Marines who fought in Vietnam and were represented here today by Sergeant Major Daly, Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps, and these other general officers, and Mattie Hoffman, all of them, Captain Bill Beckwell, all of them in that third Vietnam.

Another thing that stands out is the loyalty and performance of the soldiers and sailors and the Coast Guard, who are represented here today by the Chief of Air Service.

All of these together constitute some millions of tremendous young Americans with great loyalty, dedication, and belief in our country who serve loyally and bravely and as a common man so forth.

And one, as you know, Mr. President, I think our country is going to hear a lot from you.

Thank you.

And then finally, it stands out as the wives and mothers and families of Murray and other service members.

The fellow who is here today is represented by him.

He's been the First Lady of the Corps for almost four years now, and like so many other Supreme Wives and wives of other service members and mothers, he's been emerged as loyal and brave and dedicated and proud.

So it's been a challenging, demanding, difficult four years, but it's one that I can look back on with pride, and particularly so in that you've taken your time as the President today.

I'm sure you would all like to come over here.

Congratulations, General.

Thank you.

This is Power Grid.

I'll see you in a minute.

Well, thank you.

I want you to enjoy yourselves.

President Rees.

All right.

Nixon, Chapman & Chafee on Marine Corps and Distinguished Service Medal

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Nixon Library Finding Aid

Also recorded on December 10, 1971

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