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Charles E. Goodell Papers
Presidential Clemency Board Subject Files
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President (1974-1977 : Ford). Presidential Clemency Board. 9/16/1974-9/15/1975
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The original documents are located in Box 6, folder "Goodell - Press Conference, 11/29/74"
of the Charles E. Goodell Papers 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. Charles Goodell 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 6 of the Charles E. Goodell Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
PRESS CONFERENCE
November 29, 1974
CHAIRMAN CHARLES E. GOODELL
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
CONTENTS OF PRESS KIT
1)
Statement by Chairman Charles E. Goodell
2)
Information on Clemency Procedures
3)
Sample of Application and Cover Letter
4)
18 Case Summaries of Individuals who received
Executive Clemency and Pardons
5)
Regulations and Procedures Governing the
Board's Actions
6)
Biographies of the Presidential Clemency Board
Members
FORD LIBRARY & PERALD
Contact Joan Vinson: 456-2791
Information on Public Affairs Programs; Coordination of
Veterans & other Group Events & Speakers' Bureau
Contact Nia Nickolas: 456-6476
All Press Related Requests and Information
All Electronic and News Media
Have not reached
John E. Lemons (Perdum)
(404)258-2843
(phone continually buy)
Ronald Kesler (6 mos)
(209) 877-2252
no answer
Bohn Battle (3 ness)
(712) 250- 4745 - but
phone disconnected and no
other number listed
URO
GERALD
all 3 have been feut
-legraus. we did lead
the mother mos. of 4M (Daird
Hale if who engaged Bob an
a long converation. -
SUGGESTED REMARKS:
For the Senator From Nia
SUBJECT: How the actions of the President today could change the course
of the future and the thinking of the country.
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical
substances; if ther e is any reaction, both are transformed."
We hope the country's views today will be transformed as these people's
lives will be.
SUBJECT: How the Board worked together and learned from each other
"In cooperating with the many individuals and agencies involved - we, as
a Board, have had an opportunity to open new avenues of thinking. We have
TRUS TED OURSELVES. We have TRUSTED EACH OTHER. We hope
the people will understand our actions and go forward with a more
understanding and trusting attitude for the future. "
SUBJECT: Earned re-entry
"Through the Presidential Clemency Program, there is hope for these
individuals. Ther e is opportunity. This country was borne of opportunity
for anyone who was willing to work. This program of earned re-entry
provides that opportunity. The profile of our applicants proves that
these people deserve that opportunity for another chance.
FORD
GERALD
QUOTES to use as you find applicable.
"We write our own destiny, We become what we do. " Madame Chiang Kai-Shek
"Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not
a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead. !' Ernest Hemingway
"If there was nothing wrong in the world, there wouldn't be anything for
us to do. " George Bernard Shaw
"Give wind and tide a chance to change. " Richard E. Byrd
"Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the
state of being alive. If life is to be sustained hope must remain, even where
confidence is wounded, trust impaired." Erik H. Erikson
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" Martin Luther King, Jr.
Research Agenda
11/28/74
1. Demographic Characteristics of prospective applicants: age, educational background,
SES. What media do they watch/listen to/read? Does DoD have this info? Psycho-
logists such as Lifton, or others who have written about military returnees or about
military justice? (Job for Harry Scarr? Ford Foundation contract?)
2. Survey research: What do prospective applicants think about the clemency program?
What percentage of them, defined by what characteristics, are really "potential
applicants", versus those who fall into the ostensible universe described by the
oclamation but who in reality will never apply? What do we have to do to get them
X
to apply?
3. Statistics on related offenses: If the parameters of the Proclamation were to be
broadaned in scope so as to incorporate all civilian offenses related to conscientious
opposition to the war, and to incorporate further all military offenses (including
those subject to administrative discharge ) so related, specificallynwki which offenses
would we be including which are not now included? What would the program's
(the Board' s?) potential universe of applicants then become? What demographic
breakouts? )
4. Clemency discharge: What do se want to do either to maximize the utility of
the clemency discharge or to replace it? How to go about doing that?
5. Employment and other reintegration for all recipients of clemency: What to do,
through which Departments/agencies and how, to maximize employment and
reintegration among those to whom the President proffers clemency? Which steps
require that we do the same for all, or certain classes of, veterans? What about
sealing of criminal records? /J.R.?/
What should be added in order to maximize the Board's
fulfillment of the Proclamation's objectives?
QERALD R. FORD
234A AMNESTY 11/29 Night Lead By David E. Anderson - Washington UPI
President Ford, declaring "The task of formal forgiveness is under way,'
Friday granted eight full pardons and 10 conditional clemencies to
Vietnam War Resisters.
The 18 cases acted on by the President were the first recommendations made
to him since he announced Sept. 16 his earned re-entry program for
military and civilian opponents of the Vietnam War.
"These First few decisions do not end the unfinished business of clemency,"
Ford said in a brief ceremony attended by members of the Board and its staff.
"But the task of formal forgiveness is under way. I hope it marks the
beginning of personal forgiveness in the hearts of all americans troubled
by Vietnam and its aftermath, Ford added.
Ford said of the 18 initial cases sent to the clemency board, he had
"reviewed each one and personally approved each one."
All 18 of the cases involved civilian draft resisters imprisoned at the time of
Ford's Sept. 16 announcement. At that time, 85 civilian resisters imprisoned
were furloughed from jail and Board Chairman Charles Goodell said Friday
the 67 remaining individuals would remain free until the Board and the President hav
have disposed of their cases. The Clemency, which deals only with civilian or
military personnel already convicted of a war-related offense, such as draft resistar
or desertion, has a potential case load of 8,700 civilians and something over
100,000 military personnel. To date, according to Goodell, some 770 persons have
applied to the Clemency Board for review of their cases.
Although the Board did release the names of the 18 individuals involved and a
summary of the 18 cases involved, Goodell refused to match names with cases
or to give out the hometowns of the individuals because, said Goodell, it
would violate their right to privacy.
Goodell also said the Board had found "over and over again" that the applicants
to the Board "are not the stereotyped ideological war resisters". "For the
most part, he said, "The draft violations which we have examined were not
consciously and directly related to opposition to the Vietnam war. "
Of the 10 given conditional clemencies, which will become full pardons and
unconditional pardons upon fulfillment of altennate service, three were told
they must perform three months of alternate service, five must perform
six months, one was told he must perform 10 months and one other was told he
must perform 12 months of alternate service.
UPI 11/29 3:41 PES
GERALD FORD CIRRAPY
Contact:
November 29, 1974
Nia Nickolas 456-6476
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
READING
THE WHITE HOUSE
COPY
WASHINGTON
Statement by The Honorable Charles E. Goodell
Chairman, Presidential Clemency Board
The President has accepted the unanimous recommendation of the Presidential
Clemency Board that Executive Clemency be granted to 18 individuals. He has
granted 8 full and unconditional Pardons and 10 conditional clemencies which
will become full and unconditional ardons upon fulfillment of specified periods
of alternate service.
The distribution of lengths of alternate service is as follows:
3 applicants for clemency
3 months of alternate service
5 applicants for clemency
6 months of alternate service
1 applicant for clemency
10 months of alternate service
1 applicant for clemency
12 months of alternate service
Over and over again in the cases before the Board, we have found the inarticulate
individual whose father died leaving a family without any means of support, whose
mother became acutely ill, or who had severe marriage problems which needed
immediate attention. All too frèquently, we have found that if the individual
had been educated enough to understand how to apply properly through the Selective
Service system, he never would have been drafted into the armed forces in the
first place.
Mostly, the draft evasions which we have examined were not consciously and
directly related to opposition to the Vietnam war. In the cases of Jehovah's
Witnesses and some others, ther was were genuine conscientious objection to
killing -- but even these objectors were usually the poor and the illiterate who
did not know how to pursue their rights properly through the Selective Service system.
Rather than being the stereotyped war resisters, most applicants to the Board
have turned out to be the inarticulate, the unsophisticated, the non-college-educated
who did not know how to gain the conscientious objector status, or hardship
deferment, or other protections to which they were legally entitled. They just
didn't know how. / Rather than being educated middle or upper-class persons who
tried to beat the system, these were unfortunate individuals who did not understand
how to ask for the treatment we owed to them under the law.
Based on the applicants to the Presidential Clemency Board, our image, as a
society, of the typical Vietnam-era draft evader is just plain wrong.
FORD & LIBRARY UERALD
November 29, 1974
Total Written Applications:
Military
Civilian
To date:
511
235
oday:
0
0
Total:
511
235
Total: 746
Formal Applications:
Military
Civilian
To date:
149
105
Today:
7
3
Total:
156
108
Total: 264
Requests for Applications:
Military
Civilian
To date:
460
138
Today:
7
2
Total:
467
140
Total: 607
Oral Applications:
Military
Civilian
To date:
35
25
Today:
0
1
Total:
35
26
Total: 61
Applications Mailed:
To date: 658
Today:
10
Total:
668
Backlog: 0
General Information:
86
Congressionals:
54
Favor Program:
97
Against Program:
58
*Civilians Furloughed who have sent in applications:
64
**Military Home Parole who have sent in applications:
180
FORD LIBRARY & GRRALD
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Statement by Chairman Charles E. Goodell
November 29, 1974
The President has accepted the unanimous recommendation of the Presidential
Clemency Board that executive clemency be granted to 18 individuals. He has
granted 8 full and unconditional pardons and 10 conditional clemencies which
will become full and unconditional pardons upon fulfillment of specified
periods of alternate service.
The distribution of lengths of alternate service is as follows:
3 applicants for clemency
3 months of alternate service
5 applicants for clemency
6 months of alternate service
1 applicant for clemency
10 months of alternate service
1 applicant for clemency
12 months of alternate service
Over and over again in reviewing the cases before the Board, we have found
that the applicants are not the sterotyped ideological war resisters.
For the most part, the draft violations which we have examined were not
consciously and directly related to opposition to the Vietnam War. In the
cases of Jehovah's Witnesses and some others, there was genuine conscien-
tious objection to killing -- but these objectors generally did not know
how to pursue their rights properly through the Selective Service system.
The other group are generally people who have had severe marital problems
requiring immediate attention; the father who died leaving a family with-
out any means of support, or the mother or wife who became acutely ill.
Rather than being from educated and middle-class backgrounds, these indi-
viduals are unsophisticated, often inarticulate and unable to explain
properly their problems. Basically, these people just didn't know how to
take advantage of their rights under our legal system. They just didn't
know how.
Based on the applications to the Presidential Clemency Board, it appears
that the image we have held in the past of the typical Vietnam-era draft
evader is just plain wrong.
FORD
&
GERALD
November 29, 1974
Office of the White House Press Secretary
NOTICE TO THE PRESS
The Presidential Clemency Board has reviewed and evaluated
applications from the following individuals and has recommended
to the President of the United States that each person named receive
an immediate pardon or clemency conditioned upon a period of
alternative service.
The President has approved the following eighteen persons:
Alford, Philip B.
10 months alternate service
Bartle, John V.
3 months alternate service
Charles, Johnny
Pardon
Covell, Richard J.
6 months alternate service
Del Pino, Valentin L.
6 months alternate service
Gee, William F.
6 months alternate service
Graham, Shelby B.
Pardon
Guerra, Jesse G.
Pardon
Hale, David L.
6 months alternate service
Heflin, Thomas
3 months alternate service
Hyatt, Victor D.
Pardon
Kesler, Ronald E.
6 months alternate service
Lemons, John E.
Pardon
Lineback, Donald R.
Pardon
Lopes, Robert E.
Pardon
Slater, William C.
12 months alternate service
Toth, Robert F.
Pardon
Wallington, Bruce
3 months alternate service
#
#
#
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS FOR
CLEMENCY BOARD SIGNINGS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
- I -
ON SEPTEMBER 16, I ANNOUNCED MY PROGRAM OF CLEMENCY.
I AM PLEASED THAT ON THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND I AM ABLE TO
ANNOUNCE MY FIRST DECISIONS ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD INVOLVING EIGHTEEN INDIVIDUAL
CASES OF DRAFT EVASION OR DESERTION
- 2 -
I WANT TO THANK EACH OF YOU HERE FOR SHARING THIS
CEREMONIAL MOMENT.
I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE
CLEMENCY BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK.
- 3 -
SIGNING CEREMONIES OFTEN MARK THE END OF A PROJECT.
BUT TODAY THESE SIGNINGS REPRESENT THE BEGINNING OF THE
DIFFICULT TASK OF ADMINISTERING CLEMENCY.
INSTEAD OF
SIGNING THESE DECISIONS IN A ROUTINE WAY, I WANT TO USE
THIS OCCASION TO UNDERLINE THE COMMITMENT OF MY ADMINISTRATION
TO AN EVEN-HANDED POLICY OF CLEMENCY.
GERALD
FORD LIBRARY &
- 4 -
WHEN I INITIATED THIS POLICY, I DETAILED THE REASONS
FOR MY DECISION ON THIS VERY DIFFICULT PROBLEM.
I CONSIDER
THEM AS VALID TODAY AS WHEN I FIRST ANNOUNCED THEM.
WE DO
NOT RESOLVE DIFFICULT ISSUES BY IGNORING THEM.
THERE ARE HONEST DIFFERENCES THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE
DISCUSSED.
BUT DISCUSSION MUST NOT OVERSHADOW THE NEED
FOR ACTION AND FAIR AND OPEN RESOLUTION OF THE CLEMENCY PROBLEM,
- 5 -
OF THE EIGHTEEN RECOMMENDATIONS THE BOARD HAS MADE
TO ME, I HAVE REVIEWED EACH ONE AND HAVE PERSONALLY APPROVED
EACH ONE.
INFORMATION ON THESE CASES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE
BY THE PRESS OFFICE.
I BELIEVE THIS MORE DETAILED INFORMATION
WILL HELP TO EXPLAIN THE BASIS FOR MY DECISION IN EACH INSTANCE.
OF COURSE, CONSIDERABLE MORE INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE TO THE
BOARD AND TO ME ON WHICH TO BASE THESE DECISIONS.
BUT TO MAKE
PUBLIC THE COMPLETE FILE ON EACH INDIVIDUAL WOULD BE A NEGATION
OF HIS RIGHT TO PRIVACY.
- 6 -
AS YOU WILL SEE, SOME ACTED BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T
UNDERSTAND THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS.
SOME WERE TOO POOR OR
TOO UNSCHOOLED OR TOO IMMATURE TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORT OF
THEIR ACTIONS.
OTHERS FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO CONFORM TO
THE LAW'S REQUIREMENTS FOR REASONS OF CONSCIENCE OR RELIGION
OR BACKGROUND.
- 7 -
IN EACH CASE, HOWEVER, THE LAW WAS VIOLATED AND
EACH HAS RECEIVED PUNISHMENT.
THE POWER OF CLEMENCY
CAN LOOK TO REASONS FOR THESE ACTIONS WHICH THE LAW CANNOT.
UNLIKE GOD'S LAW, MAN'S LAW CANNOT PROBE INTO THE HEART OF
HUMAN BEINGS.
THE BEST WAY WE CAN DO THIS IS TO OFFER
CLEMENCY AND TO PROVIDE A WAY FOR OFFENDERS TO EARN THEIR
WAY BACK INTO THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN SOCIETY BY ALTERNATE
SERVICE.
FORD & LIBRARY 038830
- 8 -
LAST WEEK, I TRAVELED OVERSEAS IN SEARCH FOR PEACE.
YET WE CANNOT EFFECTIVELY SEEK PEACE ABROAD WITH OTHER NATIONS ---
UNTIL WE HAVE MADE PEACE AT HOME.
WHILE AMERICA REACHES
OUT TO THOSE WITH WHOM WE HAVE DISAGREED IN THE PAST,
WE MUST DO NO LESS WITHIN OUR OWN NATION.
SOMETIMES IT
SEEMS EASIER FOR US TO FORGIVE FOREIGN ENEMIES THAN FELLOW
AMERICANS AT HOME.
- 9 -
LET US CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR A SOFTENING OF THE
NATIONAL ANIMOSITY CAUSED BY DIFFERENCES OVER THE VIETNAM WAR.
WE WILL NOT FORGET THE SACRIFICES OF THOSE WHO SERVED
AND DIED IN VIETNAM.
IN THEIR HONOR, AMERICA MUST SEEK
WAYS TO LIVE UP TO THE IDEALS OF FREEDOM AND CHARITY THEY
FOUGHT TO PRESERVE.
-
- IO -
THESE FIRST FEW DECISIONS DO NOT END THE UNFINISHED
BUSINESS OF CLEMENCY.
THE CONTROVERSY IS NOT STOPPED
WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN.
BUT THE TASK OF FORMAL
FORGIVENESS IS UNDERWAY.
I HOPE IT MARKS THE BEGINNING
OF PERSONAL FORGIVENESS IN THE HEARTS OF ALL AMERICANS
TROUBLED BY VIETNAM AND ITS AFTERMATH.
END OF TEXT
093A
CLEMENCY 11-29
BY DAVID E. ANDERSON
WASHINGTON (UPI) -- PRESIDENT FORD PROMISED TO ANNOUNCE HIS
DECISION TODAY ON THE THE FIRST GROUP OF VIETNAM WAR CLEMENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS SENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE BY THE NEW PRESIDENTIAL
CLEMENCY BOARD.
THE BOARD, HEADED BY FORMER SEN. CHARLES GOODELL OF NEW YORK, SAID
EARLIER THAT THE CASES OF SOME DRAFT 85 RESISTERS -- WHO WERE IN
PRISON WHEN FORD ANNOUNCED HIS CLEMENCY PROGRAM SEPT. 16 -- HAD BEEN
SENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
THE MEN INVOLVED WERE RELEASED FROM JAIL TEMPORARILY AFTER THE
CLEMENCY OFFER PENDING FURTHER ACTION IN THEIR CASES.
BOARD OFFICIALS HOPE THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS WOULD BOLSTER THE
PROGRAM, WHICH HAS BEEN SEVERELY CRITICIZED BY LEGAL AND PEACE GROUPS
AND HAS DRAWN FEWER APPLICANTS THAN EXPECTED AMONG THOSE POTENTIALLY
ELIGIBLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID IT HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF ABOUT
SOC APPLICATIONS FOR CLEMENCY OUT OF A TOTAL POTENTIAL OF MORE THAN
100, 0.00 APPLICANTS.
THE CLEMENCY BOARD DEALS ONLY WITH CIVILIANS AND MILITARY
PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN CONVICTED OF VIETNAN-WAR RELATED
OFFENSES, USUALLY DRAFT RESISTANCE OR DESERTION.
ONE ORGANIZATION OF VOLUNTEER LAWYERS REPRESENTING APPLICANTS
BEFORE VARIOUS CLEMENCY AGENCIES RECENTLY WITHDREW FROM PARTICIPATION
IN THE AMMESTY PROGRAM.
THE CLEMENCY-AMNESTY LAW COORDINATING OFFICE SAID IN A LETTER TO
FORD THAT "AS TIME PASSED
IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT THERE ARE
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL FLAWS AND SHORTCOMINGS IN THE PROGRAM WHICH ARE
THUARTING OUR EFFORTS TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE COUNSEL AND
REPRESENTATION."
ONE OF THE ORGANIZATION'S CHIEF DEMANDS HAD BEEN WAS THAT BOTH
CIVILIAN AND MILITARY APPLICANTS "BE GRANTED FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL
PARDONS FOR CONVICTIONS RELATED TO WAR RESISTANCE.
"
BUT A. SPOKESMAN NOTED THE BOARD CAN MAKE NO FINAL DECISION IN
CASES OF THOSE APPLYING FOR CLEMENCY, BUT ONLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS
TO FORD.
UPI 11-29 10:17 AES
FORD i LIBRARY
2026
Clenenczzg06ylvyyx
WASHINGTON AP - President Ford arranged today to sign his first
grants of executive clemency and nerhans some unconditional pardons,
OI convicted military degerters and draft evaders.
The Presidential Clemency Board earlier this week recommended an
undisclosed number of cases for action by Ford. 2 board spokeswoman
said. Board chairman Charles B. Goodell had said last week that 62
cases were being examined.
All 6 6 D nen had been furloughed from federal prisons or military
stockedes while seeking clenency,
The ite Louse signing cere ony early this afternoon was to be
followed by 2 news briefing 03 Goodell, and individual summaries of
the cases recommended to Ford were to be released, the spokeswoman
said.
The board is empowered to recommend executive clemency including
CO utation of sentence and either unconditional nardon or pardon
conditioned on ternative civilia service
Goodell disclosed last wee the haliway noint of the clemency
program that only 7 O- the more than 000 men convicted of
militer. absence or drawn violations had filed applications with his
coar
Le called those figures 'greatly diganpointing' but said he
expected one regronce to grow after the eligible men understood the
program and resulsed that they have nothing to loges, by seeking
cleancy.
Goodell. vaid the board concentrated during its first weeks on
30 ting its ground rules
The cleaenc crorran is onen only to those persons who have been
convicted 02 absentee or dreft charges. Those still awaiting trial
na. sign up for alternative civilian service under auspices of the
Jucticel or beckstennt and alternative -- service programs last
dept. 76 and set Jan. 01 as the deadline for submitting applications.
0245233 11
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS FOR
CLEMENCY BOARD SIGNINGS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
FORDO LIBRARY & GERALD
- I -
ON SEPTEMBER 16, I ANNOUNCED MY PROGRAM OF CLEMENCY.
I AM PLEASED THAT ON THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND I AM ABLE TO
ANNOUNCE MY FIRST DECISIONS ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD INVOLVING EIGHTEEN INDIVIDUAL
CASES OF DRAFT EVASION OR DESERTION.
- 2 -
I WANT TO THANK EACH OF YOU HERE FOR SHARING THIS
CEREMONIAL MOMENT.
I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE
CLEMENCY BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK.
- 3 -
SIGNING CEREMONIES OFTEN MARK THE END OF A PROJECT.
BUT TODAY THESE SIGNINGS REPRESENT THE BEGINNING OF THE
DIFFICULT TASK OF ADMINISTERING CLEMENCY.
INSTEAD OF
SIGNING THESE DECISIONS IN A ROUTINE WAY, I WANT TO USE
THIS OCCASION TO UNDERLINE THE COMMITMENT OF MY ADMINISTRATION
TO AN EVEN-HANDED POLICY OF CLEMENCY.
- 4 -
WHEN I INITIATED THIS POLICY, I DETAILED THE REASONS
FOR MY DECISION ON THIS VERY DIFFICULT PROBLEM.
I CONSIDER
THEM AS VALID TODAY AS WHEN I FIRST ANNOUNCED THEM.
WE DO
NOT RESOLVE DIFFICULT ISSUES BY IGNORING THEM.
THERE ARE HONEST DIFFERENCES THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE
DISCUSSED.
BUT DISCUSSION MUST NOT OVERSHADOW THE NEED
FOR ACTION AND FAIR AND OPEN RESOLUTION OF THE CLEMENCY PROBLEM,
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 5 -
OF THE EIGHTEEN RECOMMENDATIONS THE BOARD HAS MADE
TO ME, I HAVE REVIEWED EACH ONE AND HAVE PERSONALLY APPROVED
EACH ONE.
INFORMATION ON THESE CASES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE
BY THE PRESS OFFICE.
I BELIEVE THIS MORE DETAILED INFORMATION
WILL HELP TO EXPLAIN THE BASIS FOR MY DECISION IN EACH INSTANCE.
OF COURSE, CONSIDERABLE MORE INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE TO THE
BOARD AND TO ME ON WHICH TO BASE THESE DECISIONS.
BUT TO MAKE
PUBLIC THE COMPLETE FILE ON EACH INDIVIDUAL WOULD BE A NEGATION
OF HIS RIGHT TO PRIVACY.
- 6 -
AS YOU WILL SEE, SOME ACTED BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T
UNDERSTAND THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS.
SOME WERE TOO POOR OR
TOO UNSCHOOLED OR TOO IMMATURE TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORT OF
THEIR ACTIONS.
OTHERS FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO CONFORM TO
THE LAW'S REQUIREMENTS FOR REASONS OF CONSCIENCE OR RELIGION
OR BACKGROUND.
- 7 -
IN EACH CASE, HOWEVER, THE LAW WAS VIOLATED AND
EACH HAS RECEIVED PUNISHMENT.
THE POWER OF CLEMENCY
CAN LOOK TO REASONS FOR THESE ACTIONS WHICH THE LAW CANNOT.
UNLIKE GOD'S LAW, MAN'S LAW CANNOT PROBE INTO THE HEART OF
HUMAN BEINGS.
THE BEST WAY WE CAN DO THIS IS TO OFFER
CLEMENCY AND TO PROVIDE A WAY FOR OFFENDERS TO EARN THEIR
WAY BACK INTO THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN SOCIETY BY ALTERNATE
SERVICE.
- 8 -
LAST WEEK, I TRAVELED OVERSEAS IN SEARCH FOR PEACE.
YET WE CANNOT EFFECTIVELY SEEK PEACE ABROAD WITH OTHER NATIONS --
UNTIL WE HAVE MADE PEACE AT HOME.
WHILE AMERICA REACHES
OUT TO THOSE WITH WHOM WE HAVE DISAGREED IN THE PAST,
WE MUST DO NO LESS WITHIN OUR OWN NATION.
SOMETIMES IT
SEEMS EASIER FOR US TO FORGIVE FOREIGN ENEMIES THAN FELLOW
AMERICANS AT HOME.
- 9 -
LET US CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR A SOFTENING OF THE
NATIONAL ANIMOSITY CAUSED BY DIFFERENCES OVER THE VIETNAM WAR.
WE WILL NOT FORGET THE SACRIFICES OF THOSE WHO SERVED
AND DIED IN VIETNAM.
IN THEIR HONOR, AMERICA MUST SEEK
WAYS TO LIVE UP TO THE IDEALS OF FREEDOM AND CHARITY THEY
FOUGHT TO PRESERVE.
- 10 -
THESE FIRST FEW DECISIONS DO NOT END THE UNFINISHED
BUSINESS OF CLEMENCY.
THE CONTROVERSY IS NOT STOPPED
WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN.
BUT THE TASK OF FORMAL
FORGIVENESS IS UNDERWAY.
I HOPE IT MARKS THE BEGINNING
OF PERSONAL FORGIVENESS IN THE HEARTS OF ALL AMERICANS
TROUBLED BY VIETNAM AND ITS AFTERMATH.
END OF TEXT
Case #2
This applicant is white, and is now in his mid-twenties. He was
raised in the Midwest, in a deeply religious family of Jehovah's
Witnesses. After graduating from high school, he devoted two
years to full-time church work. He married and worked steadily
as a carpenter. His draft board granted him conscientious ob-
jector status, and he was assigned to work in a hospital. Although
he reported there, he refused to work. His religion does not allow
him to obey an order from his draft board, because the Selective
Service is considered part of the military. He would have per-
formed alternative service if ordered to do so by a Judge. He was
sentenced to 3 years in prison. He has spent almost a full year
in confinement.
Disposition: Pardon.
FORD it LIBRARY GERALD
Case #6
This applicant is white and the product of a stable and religious
home. He was graduated from high school and is married. His
draft board granted him a draft deferment as a minister of the
Jehovah's Witness faith. Financial problems caused him to leave
the ministry briefly, and his draft board reclassified him as a
conscientious objector. Based on his religious belief that any
cooperation with the Selective Service System is immoral, the
applicant refused to comply with his draft board's order to report
for alternative service. He was convicted and sentenced to 2 years
in prison, of which he has served eight months.
Disposition: Pardon.
Case #7
This applicant is white and married. He was born in the south and
is one of eight children. He comes from a broken home and has had
to be self-sufficient since he was very young. He dropped out of
school in the 11th grade. He moved often but did not always tell
his draft board of his new addresses. He was tried for failing to
report his address and pleaded guilty. However, he explained that
the draft had ended and he thought it was no longer necessary to
contact his draft board. As a result, he was given a two-year
suspended sentence on condition that he work for six months in a
non-profit charitable job. He has satisfactorily completed that
work.
Disposition: Pardon.
Case #9
This applicant is white and in his mid-twenties. He grew up
in a large family from Appalachia. He completed junior college,
met a Jehovah's Witness missionary, converted, and married her.
He then applied for conscientious objector status. His claim
was denied because it was made after he received his induction
notice. He reported for induction but failed to step forward
and take the oath. He turned himself in and stated that he
would do alternative service. However, he was given a 3 1/2
year sentence. He has now served 11 months.
Disposition: Pardon.
Missis
Case #15
This applicant is black, and from the south. He has been
steadily employed since graduating from high school. His
entire family is of the Muslim faith, which prohibits military
or alternative service. The applicant reported for induction
but thereafter refused to step forward. He was sentenced to
three years in prison, of which he has served five months.
Disposition: Pardon.
Case #16
This applicant is white and in his late twenties. He was born in
South America to parents who were United States citizens. He
finished high school and started junior college. He is married
and his wife is expecting their second child. He claimed he was
against the Vietnam War and all wars, but he was denied his con-
scientious objector status. When ordered for induction, he
appeared but refused to step forward. He said that he loved
his country and would perform alternative service. He was sen-
tenced to two years in prison and has served 8 months.
Disposition: Pardon.
Case #20
This applicant is black, grew up in the Midwest, and provides a
major part of his mother's support. His mother has been a semi-
invalid since being severely burned many years ago. He did not
finish the tenth grade. On the day prior to his induction date,
he requested, but was denied, postponement of induction due to
his mother's illness. He failed to report for induction and was
later convicted and sentenced to three years in prison. At the
time of sentencing, the applicant said he was willing to join the
Army or perform alternative service. During his 13 months incar-
ceration, he has participated in an unescorted overnight furlough
program.
Disposition: Pardon.
Case #21
This applicant is white, and grew up in the Midwest. He has been
an active Jehovah's Witness since the age of nine. His draft
board granted him conscientious objector status, but he refused
to perform alternative service, since to do SO would have compro-
mised his religious beliefs. He was sentenced to three years im-
prisonment and he has been actively involved in his religion
during the 10 months he has spent in prison.
Disposition: Pardon.
Case #5
This applicant is white, single and from the Midwest. He only
completed the 10th grade. Although he twice applied for con-
scientious objector status, it was denied on both occasions.
He then failed to report for induction. Although he later
reported, he refused to step forward. He remained in the area
and stood trial. He has served one year of a 4 to 6 year sen-
tence under the provisions of the Federal Youth Corrections Act.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 3 months alternative service.
Case #17
This applicant is white and in his middle twenties. He was raised
in the Eastern United States in a closely knit family. The appli-
cant is a college graduate, and has participated in a Peace Corps
training program. He was ordered to report for induction but claims
that he did not report because there was no draft call that month.
He remained in school and ultimately earned a teaching certificate.
He states that he did not hear again from his draft board. It
appears that he never attempted to evade authorities. The appli-
cant stood trial for failure to report for induction and was
sentenced to 60 days in prison. He served twenty days.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 3 months alternative service.
Case #25
This applicant is black and in his mid-twenties. He completed 3
years of college and then went to Canada because he did not agree
with the war in Vietnam. After 18 months, he returned voluntarily
"to work things out". A few months later, he married his college
sweetheart. He says he was told that his case would be dropped if
he reported for induction. The draft ended before he could meet
this condition. He tried to enlist in the National Guard but was
rejected. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison and has served
8 1/2 months.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 3 months alternative service.
Case #4
This applicant is white and comes from a large family in the
Midwest. His parents were divorced when he was young. He left
high school after the 11th grade and went to work as a store
clerk. He failed to report for his physical when ordered. Six
months later, he converted to the Jehovah's Witness faith, and
then refused to appear for induction. He was convicted and sen-
tenced to 5 years. He has now served 10 months.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 6 months alternative service.
Case #8
This applicant, who is white and married, grew up in the Northeast
in a large religious family. Shortly before his notice of induction,
he moved to California where he attended one semester at a junior
college. He has stated that he refused to report for induction
because of his strong feelings against killing, and that he later
attempted to register as a conscientious objector with a draft board
in California. Prior to his apprehension, he worked in a hospital
for 1 1/2 years. He was convicted for failing to keep his local
draft board informed of his current address. He was sentenced to
thirty days in jail, to be served on weekends, and has served four-
teen days of the sentence.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 6 months alternative service.
Case #11
This applicant, in his middle twenties, is Mexican. His
parents are divorced. He immigrated to the southwestern
United States when he was a teenager and completed the 11th
grade. He ran away from home. When he returned, he found
out he was a fugitive because he had failed to report for
induction. He turned himself in and was sentenced to a 4-6
year term. He served six months in prison. He desires to
enlist in the United States Armed Forces and become an American
citizen.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, six months alternative service.
Case #19
This applicant is white and in his middle twenties. His father
died when he was young and he was raised by his mother, during
which time the family moved frequently. He only had a 9th grade
education. The applicant left home shortly before he was ordered
to report for induction. About four years later, he was arrested
and convicted of failure to keep his draft board informed of his
address. He was sentenced to six months in prison, half of which
has been served.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 6 months alternative service.
Case #23
This applicant is black, in his mid-twenties and comes from the
South. He never knew his natural parents and his step-father died
when the applicant was in high school. His step-mother is severely
ill and relies upon him for financial support. He lost his college
deferment for failing to meet Selective Service requirements. He
then applied for a hardship deferment based on his step-mother's
illness but this was denied. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison
and has served 6 months.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 6 months alternative service.
Case #14
This applicant is white and is from the south. His draft board
granted him conscientious objector status and he began alternative
service in a hospital. He left this job after conflict with his
superior, and was later arrested. He was released on bond, but
failed to appear in court. When he was arrested a year and a half
later, he was married and steadily employed. He was sentenced to
two years in prison, and has served 7 months. His employer has
promised to give the applicant his old job back upon his release.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 10 months alternative service.
Case #18
This white applicant, in his early twenties, was raised in an
unstable family environment in the Southeast. He dropped out
of school in the 8th grade, and has since held jobs of short
duration. He twice failed to report for a pre-induction physi-
cal examination. Thereafter, he was ordered to report for
induction. The applicant failed to report and when located by
the FBI, a year later, indicated that he had not intentionally
evaded the draft. The U. S. Attorney advised him that if he
joined the service within a month, he would not be prosecuted.
The applicant responded that he would rather not serve in the
Army and inquired as to civilian service. He then took Navy
qualifying tests but was found unqualified for enlistment be-
cause of his low test scores and inadequate education. He was
thereafter convicted of failing to report for induction and has
served 4 days of his 2 year sentence.
Disposition: Executive Clemency, 1 year alternative service.
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
Old Executive Office Building, Room 460
Washington, D. C. 20500
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: Nia Nickolas 456-6476
Contact: Joan Vinson 456-2791
All Press Related Information
Public Relations, Speakers' Bureau
INFORMATION ON CLEMENCY PROCEDURES
On September 16, 1974, President Gerald R. Ford issued a Proclamation an-
nouncing a "Program for the Return of Vietnam Era Draft Evaders and Military
Deserters", thereby establishing the Presidential Clemency Program. This
Program was created in the hope of furthering the national commitment to
justice and mercy wherein our Country could "bind the wounds" of the past
and proceed to the future in a more conciliatory and unifying atmosphere.
There are three organizations involved in the Clemency Program: 1) The
Presidential Clemency Board; 2) The Department of Defense; and 3) The
Department of Justice. They cover offenses committed between August 4,
1964, and March 28, 1973. In all cases, applicants to all agencies must
apply prior to January 31, 1975.
(Unconvicted Draft Evaders or Military Absentees)
I. THE PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD is comprised of nine members with former
Senator Charles E. Goodell as Chairman. It deals only with those individuals
who have received sentence or military discharge for their offense. There
are two types of potential applicants-- those who have been convicted of a
draft evasion offense and those who received a punitive or undesirable dis-
charge from the Armed Forces because of a military absentee offense com-
mitted during the above specified dates. In reviewing cases, the Board is
empowered to make recommendations to the President either granting or deny-
ing clemency. If the granting of clemency is recommended, such clemency may
be conditioned upon the performance of alternate service. Such clemency may
be in the form of a Pardon, a Clemency Discharge or Commutation of sentence.
(Unconvicted AWOLS, Deserters, or Those Who Have Missed Military Movement)
II. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE has jurisdiction over persons in military
service who have gone AWOL, have deserted or have missed a military move-
ment and have not yet been convicted or discharged. A serviceman wishing
to avail himself of the Clemency Program should report to the branch of the
service from which he absented himself. (Members of the Coast Guard should
report to the Secretary of Transportation.) At the time an individual turns
himself in, he reaffirms his allegiance to the United States and agrees to
perform alternate service. He is given an Undesirable Discharge and is re-
ferred to the Director of Selective Service for assistance in placement FOR in
alternate service. Upon fulfillment of alternative service, his Undesirable
Discharge will be upgraded to a Clemency Discharge.
GERALD
(more)
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(Unconvicted Draft Evaders)
III. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE has jurisdiction over unconvicted persons
with outstanding violations of the Selective Service laws. An individual
wishing to avail himself of this component of the Clemency Program must
present himself to a United States Attorney before January 31, 1975, and
execute an agreement acknowledging his allegiance to the United States
and pledge to fulfill a period of alternate service under the auspices of
the Director of Selective Service. Upon completion of that service, pend-
ing charges against an indicted individual will be dismissed. Non-indicted
individuals will have their case files closed without charges being brought.
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
Office of the Press Secretary
202: 456-6476
OUTLINE OF
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD PROCEDURES
The Presidential Clemency Board has developed the following
procedures to make certain that all applicants are fully aware of their
rights when they take their cases to the Board:
Each applicant has -
- The right to an attorney. Applicants that are unable to obtain
their own lawyer will be informed of organizations such as the
American Legion, the Federal Public Defenders, etc., who
may offer them legal assistance.
- The right to see the files that the Board uses to prepare his
case.
- The right to suggest other government files that the Board
should see.
- The right to review the summary of his case which the Board's
attorneys have prepared.
- The right to correct, add, or supplement the information in
the summary.
GERAALA FORD LIBRARY
- The right to submit any information he desires the Board to
consider.
- The right to submit a statement up to 3 pages in length which
will be read to the Board verbatim.
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- The right to appear personally, or by representative, in
appropriate cases, to present his case in his own words.
- Full notice of the rules the Board will be governed by and the
various factors the Board will consider in deciding his case.
- The assurance that the Board will preserve his privacy to
the greatest extent possible. No information will be for-
warded to other authorities unless it discloses information
about a violation of law (except for Selective Service viola-
tions covered by the Clemency Program).
The Board will be guided in each case decision by the following
factors:
Aggravating circumstances:
(1) Prior adult criminal convictions.
(2) False statements by the applicant to the Presidential Clemency
Board.
(3) Use of force by applicants when committing the AWOL, desertion,
missing movement, or civilian draft evasion offense.
(4) Desertion during combat.
(5) Evidence that applicant committed the offense for obviously
manipulative and selfish reasons.
(6) Prior refusal to fulfill alternative service.
(7) Prior violation of probation or parole requirements.
-3-
Mitigating circumstances:
(1) Applicant's lack of sufficient education or ability to under
stand the obligations, or remedies available, the law
(2) Personal and family hardship either at the time of the
offense or at the time the applicant was to perform alter-
native service.
(3) Mental or physical illness or condition, either at the time
of the offense or currently.
(4) Employment or volunteer activities of service to the public
since conviction or military discharge.
(5) Service-connected disability, wounds in combat, or decora-
tions for valor in combat.
(6) Tours of service in the war zone.
(7) Substantial evidence of personal or procedural unfairness in the
treatment of applicant.
(8) Denial of conscientious objector status, or of another claim
for Selective Service exemption or deferment, or of a claim
for hardship discharge, compassionate reassignment, emer-
gency leave, or other remedy available under military law, on
procedural, technical, or improper grounds, or on grounds
which have subsequently been held unlawful by the courts.
-4- -
(9) Evidence that an applicant acted in conscience, and not
for manipulative or selfish reasons.
(10) Voluntary submission to authorities by applicant.
In each case the applicant may receive a maximum of 24 months
alternative service, reduced by credit for time served in prison,
and for time for parole or probation or other periods of alternative
service he has already completed satisfactorily.
In appropriate cases, alternative service will be reduced or
waived entirely. The alternative service may also be increased if
there are particularly aggravating circumstances. Any person who
is not required to perform alternative service will receive an
immediate full pardon. Any person required to do alternative
service will receive clemency conditional upon satisfactory com-
pletion of their service. At that time they will also receive full
pardons.
NOTE: The preceding is a condensed version of the complete Rules,
Regulations, and Administrative Procedures of the Presidential Clemency
Board published in the Federal Register, Volume 39, Number 230, Novem-
ber 27, 1974.
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Sir:
We understand that you may be interested in applying for
clemency under the President's clemency program. Enclosed is
an application form which you must return to us if you want your
case considered by the Presidential Clemency Board. We have
also enclosed materials which describe the procedure that the
Board intends to use and some of the factors which it will consider
in examining your case.
If you wish to apply, please complete the application form as
soon as possible. You should also send us any information you con-
sider favorable to your case. You can send it with your application,
or as quickly afterwards as you can. When we receive your appli-
cation and any additional papers you may want to submit, the Board
will begin to review your case.
You will not have to appear personally before the Board. You
may, however, call or see one of our staff and you are invited to
add to your file whatever you think helpful. You do not need an
attorney to apply for clemency, but we do suggest that you seek the
advice of one. If you do not know how to get an attorney, we can
tell you.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Hoodell
Charles E. Goodell
Chairman
Enclosures
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
APPLICATION
I hereby apply to the Presidential Clemency Board for consideration.
NAME
Last
First
Middle
Mailing Address
City
State
Zip Code
Phone & Area Code
Social Security No.
Date of Birth
If you were convicted in federal civil court, or military court-martial,
please describe the offense, give date of offense, and the date and place
of conviction:
Location of prison where last confined
Former military personnel who were court-martialed or administratively
discharged from a military service please complete the following:
Branch of Service
Military Service No.
If Soc. Sec. No., please indicate
Year entered military
Date of Discharge
Type of Discharge
How awarded (check one):
Court-martial ( )
Admin. Discharge Board ( )
Own request to avoid trial ( )
Offenses on which Administrative Discharge based:
Date
Signature
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
Office of the Press Secretary
202: 456-6476
BIOGRAPHIES OF THE
MEMBERS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
CHAIRMAN CHARLES E. GOODELL, 48 Years of Age
From 1968 to 1970 he served as a United States Senator from New
York. He is currently in the private practice of law. He was born
in 1926 and is a graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School,
with a Master's degree in government. While at Yale, he was a
Ford Foundation Fellow. He resides in Northwest Washington.
DR. RALPH ADAMS, 59 Years of Age
Since 1964 he has been President of Troy State University in Troy,
Alabama. He was born in Samson, Alabama in 1915, and received
his A.B. degree at Birmingham-Southern College and his LL. B,
LL. D, and J.D. degrees from the University of Alabama. He also
has done postgraduate work at the University of Colorado and George
Washington University. He is a Brigadier General with the Air
National Guard of Alabama. He is married to the former Dorothy
Kelly and they have three children.
MR. JAMES P. DOUGOVITO, 28 Years of Age
He presently serves as a teaching aide of minority students in the
Department of Technology at Michigan Technological University in
Houghton, Michigan. Mr. Dougovita is a veteran and has been
awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star,
FORD
Purple Heart and is now a Captain in the Michigan National Guard.
He was born in Menominee, Michigan on December 22, 1945, and
received his AAS degree from Michigan Technological University
GERALD
LIBRARY
in June of 1973. He and his wife Elaine have one child and live in
L'Anse, Michigan.
HONORABLE ROBERT H. FINCH, 51 Years of Age
He is a senior partner in the Los Angeles Law Firm of McKenna,
Fitting, and Finch. He was born on October 9, 1925, in Tempe,
Arizona and received his A. B. degree from Occidental College
and J.D. degree from the University of Southern California. He
was formerly Secretary of HEW, and Counsellor to President
Nixon. He is married to the former Carol Crouthers and they
have four children.
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FATHER THEODORE M. HESBURGH, 57 Years of Age
He is the President of Notre Dame University. He was born in 1927.
He was a permanent Vatican Delegate to the International Atomic
Energy Agency. He has served as Chairman of the U. S. Com-
mission on Civil Rights and as a member of the Commission on
All-Volunteer Armed Force. Father Hesburgh is also Chairman
of the Overseas Development Council.
MR. VERNON E. JORDAN, 39 Years of Age
He has been Executive Director of the National Urban League since
January 1, 1972. Mr. Jordan is a lawyer by profession and served
previously as the Executive Director of the United Negro College
Fund, Director of the Voter Education Project, Southern Regional
Council, and as Attorney-Consultant in the U. S. Office of Economic
Opportunity. He was born on August 15, 1935, in Atlanta, Georgia,
and received his B.A. degree from DePauw University in 1957. He
received his J.D. degree from Howard University Law School in
1960, and was a Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Uni-
versity and a Fellow at the Metropolitan Applied Research Center.
He is married to the former Shirley M. Yarbrough and they have
one daughter. They reside in White Plains, New York.
MR. JAMES MAYE, 31 Years of Age
Since 1973, he has served as the Executive Director of the Paralyzed
Veterans of America, Inc. He was born on January 14, 1943 in
Bassett, Virginia, and received his B.A. degree from Bridgewater
College and his M.S. degree from Virginia Commonwealth Univer-
sity. He is married and resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.
MRS. AIDA O'CONNOR, 52 Years of Age
She is a practicing attorney at the Two World Trade Center in New
York City. She was born in 1922, and received her B.A. degree
and LL. B. degree from the George Washington University. She is
a member of the American Bar Association and the Supreme Court
of the United States. Mrs. O'Connor is also a member of the
Supreme Court of Puerto Rico and the U. S. District Court of
Puerto Rico.
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GENERAL LEWIS W. WALT, USMC (Ret), 61 Years of Age
He retired after 34 years of distinguished service in the Marine
Corps and is a veteran of the Second World War, the Korean and
Vietnamese Wars. He was an Assistant Commandant of the Marine
Corps. He has received the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of
Merit, Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and numerous other military
decorations. He was born on February 16, 1913, in Wabaunsee County,
Kansas, and received his B.S. degree from Colorado State University
in 1936. General Walt is married to the former June Burkett Jacobsen
and they reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.