RAMANAM
In the Name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Early in life, one should want to give one’s friends as references, to make one look good. Late in life, one should want to give one’s enemies as references, for the same reason.

This is MacArthur’s meaning in this part of his speech accepting the Sylvanus Thayer Award.  Related.

[The American soldier’s] name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give. He needs no eulogy from me; or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in red on his enemy’s breast.

AMDG