Wonderful archive of a West Point hopeful including a typed letter signed from JFK, a Western Union Telegram from US Senator Leverett Saltonstall, a copy of an article Kennedy wrote printed in the Congressional Record and a letter from Kennedy requesting the young man's presence in Boston for a physical. In a 1951 article regarding how cadets should be picked, Kennedy has some strong words about cadets at West Point being recruited for sports but should rather be selected on merit. In part Kennedy wrote, "I believe that it is essential that some system similar to the one that I have discussed be placed into operation as quickly as possible. Common justice requires that all boys in this country of ours have an equal opportunity to attend a service academy, and the needs of the country require that the best boys be chosen. One of the men being considered was Vincent O'Neil from South Boston. Kennedy wrote back to the man after receiving his application to West Point. The letter dated June 6, 1955 reads, "Dear Vincent: Thank you very much for your recent letter in regard to your interest in the Military Academy for 1956. I will have a vacancy at West Point next year and shall be happy to consider you among my candidates. As you may know, I conduct an open, special, state-wide competition in which all interested young men are invited to enter. Both mental and physical examinations are involved, and ultimately, the leading qualified candidates are interviewed personally by a selection board of outstanding citizens. The final determination is based not only on academic excellence, but also on character, past work, and qualities of leadership, which are judged by objective reference questionnaires. I am enclosing herewith a copy of an article I wrote for the New York Times Magazine, entitled, "How Should Cadets Be Picked?" which explains this method of selection in detail. I shall be glad to keep your name on file and will be in contact with you in the Fall when my competition will begin. You may be sure that every consideration will be given you for appointment to the Military Academy in 1956. With every good wish, Sincerely yours, John F. Kennedy." Also included in the archive is a telegram from Kennedy sent Nov. 10, 1955 that requests O'Neil "to appear at seventh floor section F, Army base, Boston, Massachusetts, at 8:30 A.M. on Monday, November 14, 1955, in order to undergo civil service preliminary academy examinations." A typed letter dated June 3, 1955 and signed by Leverett Saltonstall, U.S. Senator thanking O'Neil for his interest in attending West Point and enclosing an application, "I am enclosing herewith an application blank for your use. Please fill it in promptly and return it to this office, together with the necessary letters of recommendation. I will keep all this material on file and just as soon as I know the exact date of the test, I will notify you where and when to report." A telegram from Saltonstall dated Dec. 20, 1955 requesting O'Neill to come to his office on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 10 A.M. Free franked enveloped signed by Kennedy and Saltonstall. In very good condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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