Herbert Bayard Swope, chairman of the board of Overseas News Agency, today received from General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower the Medal of Merit for his “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services” in World War II, as public relations consultant to the Secretary of War from 1942 to 1945. The citation, signed by President Truman, read:
“Herbert Bayard Swope, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States during the period of the recent war. Mr. Swope served as a consultant to the War Department from 1942 through 1945. He displayed unique and effective talents in many fields of public interest, and was an important participant in the various Baruch committees which prepared reports in connection with the council of national defense, on industrial mobilization, and war and post-war reconversion. In these efforts, his work was characterized by high integrity, wide understanding, a deep sense of public duty, and the ability to relate government to the public interest. He gave the major part of his time to the war effort, responding to any call for action or advice. He was of great value in the prosecution of the war because of his broad experience, quick and clear analytical capability, and never failing good judgment. Mr. Swope’s work was irreplaceable and effective, and he gave his utmost in the way of time and thought, without compensation.”
In making the presentation General Eisenhower said: “In two wars you have served your country well. I deem it a great personal honor to bestow on you this slight token of the War Department’s and your country’s appreciation.”
Witnessing the ceremony in General Eisenhower’s office in the Pentagon were Bernard M. Baruch, Secretary of the Interior Krug, Secretary of Commerce Harriman, Former Secretary of State James F. Byrnes and Mrs. Byrnes, Herbert Bayard Swope, Jr., George Backer, president of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency; Lt. Gen. H.S. Vandenberg, Deputy Chief of Air Staff; Lt. Gen. J. Lawton Collins, Deputy Chief of Staff; Lt. Gen. Leroy Lutes, Director, Service, Supply and Procurement Division. Also Major Gen. D.G. Barr, Army Ground Forces; Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Parks, Chief of the Public Information Division; and Brig. Gen. B.F. Caffey, Jr., Deputy Director, Organization and Training Division.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
