Bart Brickley wrote a letter of reference for JFK for his commission into the United States naval reserve. The prominent Boston attorney wrote that he considered Jack,
…. one of the most outstanding youngsters I know. He did well at Harvard and was one of the most popular boys in his class. John has opinions of his own and I consider that one of his great assets. At no time have I heard anyone ever speak ill of him, and I would recommend him for anything, not because he is Joe Kennedy’s son, but because I am satisfied he is of the right material himself.
[3, p. 407]