Jacqueline Kennedy’s Appreciation of Honor and Duty

Some American heroes include names not as well known, yet they absolutely deserve recognition for their service to our country.

Brigadier General Godfrey T. McHugh is one of them.

He served in World War II and was awarded the Legion of Merit. He went on to become a White House aide to President Truman and played a key role for President Eisenhower.

In 1961, McHugh was appointed Air Force Aide to President John F. Kennedy—one of Kennedy’s closest military aides.

During the chaos of the assassination of President Kennedy, McHugh’s sense of duty never wavered. He never left the President’s side:

• After the motorcade arrived at Parkland Hospital, until Kennedy was pronounced dead.

• Escorting Kennedy’s remains out of Parkland, despite resistance from local authorities.

• Accompanying Mrs. Kennedy and the casket to the airport.

• Serving as a one-man honor guard beside Kennedy’s casket in the rear of Air Force One while Vice President Johnson was sworn in as President.

• Helping prepare the East Room of the White House for Kennedy’s return.

• Staying with the casket, Mrs. Kennedy, and Robert Kennedy during the transfer to Bethesda Naval Hospital, through the autopsy, and back to the White House.

• In the East Room, Mrs. Kennedy asked him to clear the room and open the casket so she could have a final private moment with her husband.

• Arranged for the honor guard to face the casket, per Mrs. Kennedy’s request, changing the protocol used previously.

At every stage, Brigadier General McHugh carried out his duty with honor and devotion.

Very late that night, in the original photograph shown here, McHugh is seen paying his respects to the man he admired so deeply and was privileged to serve.

The photograph is signed:

“For Godfrey McHugh—who served the President and was with him till the very end. With my appreciation, Jacqueline Kennedy.”