June 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, June 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2013
President Gerald Ford typed letter signed on the Mayaguez incident, the last official battle of the Vietnam War. Dated 21 May 1975, letter to Congressman Bill Young reads, ''...my decision to retake the SS MAYAGUEZ and to rescue its crew. As you know, we did pursue a diplomatic solution, but after 48 hours of not receiving any response from the Cambodian Government, I concluded that Congress and the American people would back my action to recover the ship and its crew by military action...[Jerry Ford]''. Ford was correct; although 41 soldiers were killed in recovering the vessel, the American people supported his decision. The names of these 41 were the last to be added to the Vietnam Memorial wall. 1pp. on White House letterhead measures 6.75'' x 8.75''. Near fine.
Gerald Ford Typed Letter Signed as President Regarding Mayaguez -- ''...I concluded that Congress and the American people would back my action to recover the ship and its crew by military action...''
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