John Kennedy actually said...

"I know that we are all most indebted to Dr. Kelsey."

"When one of our employees in the National Government does not meet the high standards which we set for ourselves, it becomes, of course, the greatest news."

"This gives me the greatest pleasure, and I know it gives Colonel Glenn and Commander Shepard pleasure to see Mr. Gilruth honored appropriately by the Government and by the country."

"So we congratulate you all, we thank you, and we hope that your work will serve as a horizon-marking effort by all those who work for the people of the United States."