A May 1960 letter to a West Point candidate from the Corps of Cadets: (click to enlarge)

UNITED STATES CORPS OF CADETS
West Point, New York

24 May 1960

Dear Candidate:

We understand that you may be joining the Corps of Cadets in July.

When you take the oath of a cadet, you will be accepting as a way of life a tradition which stretches back more than 150 years.

This tradition is nurtured by each cadet’s willingness to adhere to the precepts set forth in our motto, “Duty, Honor, Country”.

In order to introduce you to the precepts of the West Point Honor Code, which will become so much a part of your life when you become a cadet, we are writing to you at this time. After your arrival you will receive detailed orientation on the functioning of the code.

In its simplest terms, our Honor Code here at West Point requires that a cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal.

A cadet’s word is accepted without question both here and away from the Academy. Because of this fact and all for which it stands, the honor of the Corps is our most cherished possession.

The code is regarded by all cadets as being above any individual or any personal friendship. No cadet will hesitate to report another cadet for a violation of the Honor Code.

Basically, our Code is designed to instill in each cadet and graduate the highest standards of personal honor. The military profession can tolerate no half-truths.

To maintain these high ideals, the Honor Code is administered solely by and for the Corps of Cadets. Should a cadet choose to violate the Cadet Honor Code, there is only one penalty; that of separation from the Academy.

During their training period in New Cadet Barracks, New Cadets may also be separated if the Cadet Honor Committee considers the violation to be premeditated.

Now is the time to prepare yourself for the acceptance of this Code.

From the first day forward, your word and actions will be accepted as those of a cadet and a gentleman.

It is imperative that you always strive to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.

You must be ready to be among those of “The Long Grey Line” who are willing to maintain the honor of the Corps, untarnished and unsullied, and to show forth in their daily lives the ideals of West Point in doing their duty to God and to their country.

Sincerely,

Robert R. Glass
Chairman, 1961
Cadet Honor Committee