Honour Conferred on Admiral Byrd

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 171, 22 July 1939, Page 11

Honour Conferred on Admiral Byrd

JHNKINTOWN, Pa.—When Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd received the degree of “Doctor of Fortitude and Faith” at the Beaver College commencement here recently, he became, it is believed, the only man in the country to hold that unique degree. It was conferred by Dr. James Elliott Mooney, Acting President of Beaver College, and the unusual honour is the suggestion of Dr. John 11. Finley, eminent educator. Admiral Byrd has already been awarded 22 citations for bravery and distinguished service, together with the Congressional Medal, and numerous academic and honorary

degrees—ranking the famous Polar explorer as one of the most distinguished recipients of honours in modern times. The story of indomitable courage and thoughtful consideration for his men in the frigid Antartic regions near the South Pole is retold in the citation by President Moonev, in awarding the degree of Doctor of Fortitude and Faith —the epic of a man who placed his own life in the background that his men might not endanger their own lives to bring him aid at a time when ho was desperately ill. After outlining the history of Admiral Byrd’s activities and indicating the honours already given, the citation by Dr. Mooney follows: “The degree that Beaver College confers upon you to-day is the outward sign of your inner life. The receiving of honours is no novelty to you. Presidents, kings and commoners have competed in admiration and in acknowledgement of your achievement. But this recognition to-day comes to you at a later stago of your adventure and for a different reason than animated your initial honours. “Beaver College accords to you this honorary degree —not for your flights over the North and South Poles, or for your adventuro over the Atlantic —but for what you havo done with the priceless power of courage, patience and fidelity. The resources of your achievement have been made a part of the history of mankind. In recognition of the outstanding demonstration of fortitude and faith, those admirable human attributes which you showed in