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He joined the Marine Corps when the Spanish American War broke out,
earned the Brevette Medal during the Boxer Rebellion in China, saw action in Central America,
and in France during World War I was promoted to Major General. Smedley Butler served his
country for 34 years, yet he spoke against American armed intervention into the affairs of sovereign
nations. Throughout his life, Butler demonstrated that true patriotism does not mean blind allegiance
to government policies with which one does not agree. Producer Andy Lanset profiles the
two-time Congressional Medal of Honor winner whose words still have resonance today.
Smedley Butler was produced by Andy Lanset. Portions of this program originally aired on NPR's Weekend All Things Considered.
Links:
Smedley Butler on intervention
Excerpt from a speech delivered in 1933, by Major General Smedley Butler, USMC.
Smedley Butler
Marine Corps Legend by Joseph K. Leach
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