Four-Star General John W. Vessey rose up through the ranks to be America's top soldier. When he retired in 1985, he had served longer than any other person in the Army.

About the Lecture Series

The General Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II is devoted to the legacy of America’s largest war. Speakers include writers, scholars, distinguished members of the Armed Forces and journalists.
 
The lecture series is open to the public at no cost through the generosity of Major General and Mrs. Raymond E. Mason, Jr. and the Raymond E. Mason Foundation. Mason served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II in the 4th Armored Division of General George S. Patton’s Third Army. Prior to retiring from the military in 1976, he held several high-ranking Pentagon positions, including Assistant Deputy Chief for Operations and Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Logistics.

Inaugural Speaker

Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 6:30 pm
General John W. “Jack” Vessey
 
WWII in the Rear View Mirror of One Veteran

How World War II Veterans who continued to serve their countries after the war formed their views and nation’s policies based on their World War II experiences
 
In May 1939, at the age of 16, General Vessey enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard where he later served with the 34th Infantry Division and saw the early setbacks suffered by the U.S. forces in North Africa. Vessey also saw combat in Italy, including Anzio, where he received a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant.  After World War II, he continued his service, being assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Germany and then the Eighth U.S. Army in Korea. Vessey received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest award for heroism, for actions in Vietnam.  He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1971.
 
These experiences left him with a life-long commitment to military preparedness through training, equipment and inter-service cooperation. In June 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed General Vessey Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the last World War II veteran to hold that post.  He retired in September 1985 after 46 years of military service.
 
In 1992, President George H.W. Bush awarded General Vessey the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, for his efforts as an emissary to Vietnam to account for U.S. servicemen listed as MIA.

Upcoming Speakers

Friday, December 5, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Tom Brokaw
 
Former NBC Nightly News anchor and author of five bestselling books, including The Greatest Generation and Boom!
 
All guests who register for and attend the General Vessey Lecture will be able to pick up two free tickets for the December Mason Lecture featuring Tom Brokaw at the conclusion of General Vessey’s presentation.
 
Registration for this event online will be available on November 10.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Carlo D’Este

World renowned historian and bestselling author of Decision in Normandy, Patton: A Genius for War and Eisenhower: A Soldier’s Life will discuss his most recent book, Warlord: A Life of Winston Churchill at War 1974 – 1945.