JAMES E. “TED” BASSETT III SPIRIT OF THE CORPS AWARD

Established in 2014 by the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK) Board of Directors as the “Spirit of the Corps Award,” but renamed in 2024 by unanimous action of both the Executive Committee and Board of Directors as the “James E. “Ted” Bassett III Spirit of the Corps Award” in honor of its namesake, a World War II combat veteran and long-time chairman of the MCCCK, whose leadership and vision propelled statewide growth during the period 2007-2022, to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated fortitude, courage, or an exceptional will to live, despite great hardships and/or suffering. Presented when appropriate at the exclusive discretion of the MCCCK Board of Directors, to individuals, whose demonstrable actions have embodied and/or exemplified the core values of the Marine Corps, as same impacts on the personal conduct of individual Marines:

Honor: Guides all Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior; to never lie; cheat or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity; and respect others. Quality of maturity, dedication, trust and dependability commit Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions.

Courage: Mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in Marines, carrying them through the challenges of combat, while helping them to overcome fear. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.

Commitment: Spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines, leading to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables timeless dedication to Corps and country, while inspiring unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor.

It is noted that certain elements within each of the abovementioned core values should apply to any potential recipient of this award; however, all need not apply. Some elements could be more identifiable within each of the core values than others. For instance, a potential recipient could be stronger in Courage, but must have demonstrable evidence of Honor and Commitment, consistent with his or her specific station in life.

Nominating Procedure

Criteria for nominations should focus on specific and articulable facts in support of an assessment of demonstrated fortitude, courage, or an exceptional will to live, despite great hardships and/or suffering.

Nominations should be submitted by documented letter addressed to MCCCK, Post Office Box 355, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 or by documented e-mail addressed to KentuckyMarines@aol.com, whenever appropriate. Selection will be made by the MCCCK Board of Directors, with input from the duly appointed MCCCK officers.

RECIPIENTS OF THE SPIRIT OF THE CORPS AWARD

• • 2014 – Matthew R. Bradford
    Corporal, USMC (Ret)
    Nicholasville, Kentucky