One cannot wage war under present conditions without the support of public opinion, which is tremendously molded by the press and other forms of propaganda.

Worry, doubt, fear and despair are the enemies which slowly bring us down to the ground and turn us to dust before we die.

While no man in his right mind would advocate sending our ground forces into continental China, and such was never given a thought, the new situation did urgently demand a drastic revision of strategic planning if our political aim was to defeat this new enemy as we had defeated the old.

The Pacific no longer represents menacing avenues of approach for a prospective invader. It assumes, instead, the friendly aspect of a peaceful lake. Our line of defense is a natural one and can be maintained with a minimum of military effort and expense.

To dilute the will to win is to destroy the purpose of the game. There is no substitute for victory.

Like the old soldier of the ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty. Goodbye.

Preparedness is the key to success and victory.