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House Speech Extension of Enlistments, 1951?
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4525674
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House Speech Extension of Enlistments, 1951?
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Korean War, 1950-1953
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The original documents are located in Box D14, folder "House Speech Extension of
Enlistments, 1951?" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at
the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D14 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
GERALD R. FORD, JR. - MICHIGAN
MR. SPEAKER - Since the invasion of South Korea by the Communist forces
in June of 1950 many reservists in all branches of the Armed Forces have been
recalled to active duty. In addition the enlistments of men already on active
duty have been involuntarily extended by Executive Order.
It was understandable that such action should be taken by the Department
of Defense in the critical months immediately after the Communist aggression.
It is now time, however, that the military leaders set forth their plans and
policies for those who were taken from civilian life and sent to the front in
Korea. In addition, the Department of Defense should review and revise its
policy of arbitrarily extending enlistments.
Several specific cases have been called to my attention which illustrate
the problem. A combat Marine of 4 years service in World War II voluntarily
joined the active reserves for a four year enlistment. In July of 1950 he had
served three of the four years on this enlistment contract. He was recalled
to active duty and for the last six months has been at the front in Korea.
Is his 4 year enlistment to be arbitrarily extended when it expires this
year? It definitely should not be. This Marine, and there are many others
in the same situation in the Army, Navy and Air Corps, has made great sacri-
fices for the defense of our country in these perilous times. Such men should
not be expected to do more than their fair share. They had a contract with
their government and have lived up to their obligation. The government in turn
should carry out its part of the bargain.
It is self-evident that the morale of our forces in Korea and elsewhere
would be strengthened by a clear-cut statement of policy by the Department of
Defense informing all men that when their current enlistment expires they
GERALD R.TORD LIBRARY
released to civilian life. I strongly urge that such a policy be put
into immediate effect. If the reserve program is to draw experienced
personnel in the future, such a policy is a bsolutely essential.
cares & LIBRARY
GERALD R. FORD, JR. - MICHIGAN
MR. SPEAKER Since the invasion of South Korea by the Communist forces
in June of 1950 many reservists in all branches of the Armed Forces have been
recalled to active duty. In addition the enlistments of men already on active
duty have been involuntarily extended by Executive Order.
It was understandable that such action should be taken by the Department
of Defense in the critical months immediately after the Communist aggression.
It is now time, hewever, that the military leaders set forth their plans and
policies for those who were taken from civilian life and sent to the front in
Korea. In addition, the Department of Defense should review and revise its
policy of arbitrarily extending enlistments.
Several specific cases have been called to my attention which illustrate
the problem. A combat Marine of 4 years service in World War II voluntarily
joined the active reserves for a four year enlistment. In July of 1950 he had
served three of the four years on this enlistment contract. He was recalled
to active duty and for the last six months has been at the front in Korea.
Is his 4 year enlistment to be arbitrarily extended when it expires this
year? It definitely should not be. This Marine, and there are many others
in the same situation in the Army, Navy and Air Corps, has made great sacri-
fices for the defense of our country in these perilous times. Such men should
not be expected to do more than their fair share. They had a contract with
their government and have lived up to their obligation. The government in turn
should carry out its part of the bargain.
It is self-evident that the morale of our forces in Korea and elsewhere
would be strengthened by a clear-out statement of policy by the Department of
Defense informing all men that when their current enlistment expires they will be
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
released to civilian life. I strongly urge that such a policy be put
into immediate effect. If the reserve program is to draw experienced
personnel in the future, such a policy is absolutely essential.
GERALD
FORD & LIBRARY