Proposed Introduction for GEN Vessey (approx 2:10)

    We are extremely privileged to have with us today a person whose experience in uniform is without peer.  General Jack Vessey was born, raised and continues to make his home in the beautiful state of Minnesota.  

    His Army career began when he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1939.   Two years later, just ten months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was called to active duty with Minnesota's 34th Infantry Division -- the "Red Bull Division".  During World War II, he served with the 34th in both North Africa and Italy and rose to the rank of first sergeant.  On May 6, 1944 at the age of 21, during combat on the Anzio Beachhead, and amidst high casualties among his fellow Soldiers, he received a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant of Field Artillery.

    Much of General Vessey's service has been with combat divisions.  I've just recounted to you his service with the 34th.  He also served three tours in Germany with divisions, one with the 4th Infantry and two with the 3rd Armored, with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, and commanded the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colorado.

    His assignments as a general officer include:

-   The U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations;

 

-   Commanding General, Eighth U.S. Army

 

-   Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, Korea

 

-    And Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.  

 

-   In 1978, he became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command.  

    Immediately following nearly three years as the Army's Vice Chief of Staff, President Ronald Reagan selected General Vessey as the tenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position he held until September, 1985.  

    Upon his retirement in October, 1985, he had served in the Army for 46 years -- longer than anyone in the Army.  After leaving active military service, he served six years as Presidential Emissary to Hanoi on POW/MIA issues and other matters for Presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and Clinton. He also served the Nation on a variety of Defense Department Commissions and Boards, and served on the Design Selection Committee for this Memorial.  

    General Vessey has been the recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military decorations and awards, and many other honors.  His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army, Navy Air Force and Defense Distinguished Service Medals and the Purple Heart.  In 1992, President George H.W. Bush awarded him the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    It is my great honor to present to you General Jack Vessey.