Leadership consists of picking good men and helping them do their best.

By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.

They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation.

We must not again underestimate the Japanese.

Our present control of the sea is so absolute that it is sometimes taken for granted.

Leadership consists of picking good men and helping them do their best.

I have just taken on a great responsibility. I will do my utmost to meet it.