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War story: writing letters to families of deceased, 1951

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@ Marquette University

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Senator McCarthy tells a story from his military service in the Pacific during World War II. McCarthy served with a Marine dive bombing squadron. One of his duties was to write letters home to the families of deceased pilots and gunners. McCarthy recounts an incident when, after struggling with some letters, he asked an unnamed chaplain for advice on what to write. The chaplain told McCarthy to promise the families that the men had not died in vain and that a better world would emerge from the war. McCarthy then argues that the actions of current government officials, such as Secretary of State Dean Acheson and Owen Lattimore, are betraying the promise he made. McCarthy used this story in many speeches. These particular remarks were made in Wausau, Wisconsin at a gathering of Republicans from Marathon County.05:48 [5 minutes, 48 seconds]Transferred from original format using Adobe Audition: compressed from 16-bit, 44.1 khz wav file.http://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/DC/JRM/JRM_1951_Wausau_excpt.pdfWhen I see this picture in the Pacific, of which I had some slight experience myself -- when I see the vast efforts put forth by important segments of our government to make sure that we lose the victory -- it takes me back to an evening about which I’ve told some of you before, but it covers it so well I would like your indulgence while I relate the story again. I was with a Marine dive bombing squadron and one of my tasks was to write letters home to the young wives, the young mothers,...
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Sound
Format:
Audio/.Mov
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This sound recording is issued by Marquette University. Use of the recording requires written permission from the staff of the Department of Special Collections and University Archives. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as an electronic file or any other media. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please credit: Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Marquette University Libraries.
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Marquette University

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Recollection Wisconsin