1961 Sylvanus Thayer Award

Citation

Dwight David Eisenhower

A dedicated American who has devoted his life to the service of the Nation, he applied his broad experience to the furtherance of international cooperation for the attainment of the free world's common goals.

He has given fifty years of untiring service to our Country.  The first thirty years of this service followed the pattern so familiar to us. Then, when the free world needed a leader with understanding, experience, ability and vision, he was selected to lead the largest combined armed force ever assembled under one commander Subsequently, as Chief of Staff, United States Army, he guided the reshaping of the defense forces of the Nation. Again, when the world of free men needed a leader with vast experience and international understanding, he was recalled from the Presidency of Columbia University to weld the forces of the western world into an instrument of peace. And finally, in his eight years as President of the United States, he so increased his stature as a world figure that men of good will everywhere looked on him as a symbol of peace and understanding among nations.

In his long and devoted Duty to his Country, he has enhanced the Honor of our Nation.  Accordingly, the 1961 Medal is hereby awarded by the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy to Dwight David Eisenhower Class of 1915. United States Military Academy.