Dave Rabbit

Some months back I went into my studio and recorded this dedication segment to my hero, John Wayne, entitled “For What It’s Worth.” To me, John Wayne had a deep love for his country. His patriotism is reflected throughout his entire life. He had wanted to go into the military, but an old football injury prevented it. He is quoted as saying “More than anything else, I wanted to go to Annapolis and become an officer in the Navy. It was a terrible disappointment when I didn’t make it.”

The American public may have lost the chance at a great officer, but John Wayne never failed us. He worked closely with the USO in supporting the U.S. Troops from World War II through to Vietnam. His personal visits cheered and encouraged many a young service man. I too was caught up in this and John Wayne’s example was one of the main reasons I decided to enlist in the Air Force and volunteered for three straight tours in Vietnam. “Duke”, a name he was affectionately known as by millions of soldiers, wore Capt. Stephen P. Hanson’s POW bracelet after the Marine was shot down over Laos out of Vietnam. Sadly, Hanson never made it back home, but John Wayne stayed in contact with his wife and young son for years.

John Wayne had numerous honors bestowed upon him. During a visit to Vietnam in 1966 he was given a tribal bracelet by the Montagnard people. In 1973 he was honored with the Veterans Of Foreign Wars highest award, The National Americanism Gold Medal. Congress additionally awarded “Duke” the Congressional Gold Medal in 1979.

John Wayne loved his country and he loved its traditions. He once said “Sure I wave the American Flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I’m not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.”

John Wayne died June 11, 1979, fighting the one enemy whose ass he could not whip. Here are my all time TOP FIVE favorite movie lines from “Duke”.

1. "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them." (The Shootist)

2. Speaking to his young cavalry lieutenants: "Don't apologize—it's a sign of weakness." (She Wore a Yellow Ribbon)

3. "Fill your hands, you sonofabitch!" (True Grit)

4. "That'll be the day!" (The Searchers - Spoken several times; inspired Buddy Holly to write a song with that title.)

5. "I haven't lost my temper in 40 years; but, Pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning; might have got somebody killed; and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won't. I won't. The hell I won't!" (He belts him). (To Leo Gordon in McLintock!).

I will remember the rest of my life where I was when President John F. Kennedy was killed, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. When I got the news of “Duke’s” death, I was at my office. I excused myself from a staff meeting I was having, went into my private office, closed the door, and cried. With the possible exception of Bob Hope, I have never known anyone in my lifetime who did more for the troops, was prouder of his country and would defend her with his last dying breath.

For what it’s worth, John Wayne was my hero.

Dave

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