The purpose of this epideictic speech then, is to move his primary audience that is the military, and educate his secondary audience, the civilians, of what an American soldier is supposed to be – a product of the code: Duty, Honor, Country. Men who were then beginning a career in the military in the midst of the fruitless Vietnam War. General MacArthur, a man of great success, known to this audience more than any, addressed the corps of cadets. To properly understand the effectiveness of the speech it is important to acknowledge the context or Kairos with which it was delivered. The credibility of this man cannot be understated, and he effectively and casually, reminded everyone of his rapport with his story of the doorman earlier that day during the introduction of his speech. He had the rare privilege of acting as one of the youngest superintendents of the military academy from 1919 to 1922, and also served as the Army Chief of Staff from 1930 to 1935 ( ). As West Point graduate (Class of 1903), he holds one of the highest academic records to date, and did so without a single demerit. He is one of nine five-star generals to date, which is the highest military rank attainable ( ).
General MacArthur was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor (nominated twice), two Purple Hearts, and 17 other honors presented over a span of five different presidents. He was among the most heavily decorated servicemen of all time. General MacArthur served in the United States Army for 52 years he served through the Mexican Revolution, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War ( ). General MacArthur had his credibility established by his actions during his long military career, and it was assumed that everyone present at his acceptance of the award was aware of it. This man needed no introduction, least of all to the corps of cadets at West Point to whom he delivered this speech.
This award is given to an outstanding citizen who embodies the West Point’s motto: Duty, Honor, Country. One of the most compelling speeches given in the history of the United States military was given by General Douglas MacArthur during his acceptance of the fourth-ever Sylvanus Thayer Award in 1962. Duty, Honor, Country: A Rhetorical Analysis of General Douglas MacArthur’s 1962 Speech
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