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Assassination Attempt
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135840967
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Assassination Attempt
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Records of the White House Office of Communications (Reagan Administration)
Michael Baroody's Subject Files
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual
collections.
Collection: Baroody, Michael E.: Files
Folder Title: Assassination Attempt
Box: OA 11216
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at:
[email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD G. DARMAN
FM: Frank A. Ursomarso
RE: Assassination Attempt
At 2:25 p.m., I was in a meeting with David Gergen, Ed Harper,
Dick Darman, Craig Fuller, Larry Speakes and Linda Gosden
in the Roosevelt Room to discuss the auto package. Someone
from the Press Office ran into the room and said, "There's
been a shooting. Gergen, Speakes and I immediately got up
and ran into the Press Office and looked at the teletypes.
Nothing was coming over.
David Gergen said, "Go outside and see if the motorcade is
coming. 11 I ran out the door to the South Lawn driveway to
the
Guied
House.
The
Guard
bad
two
his
I wine to Jim before I assure. hand.
Jim Baker, Latry Speakes, Lyn Nofziger, Ed Róllins and
Secretary Regan, among others, were present. Phone calls
were coming in from Michael Deaver and we were in contact
with the Vice President. It was decided that Ed Meesa,
Jim Baker, Lyn Nofziger and Larry Speakes would go to the
hospital. At this point we already knew that the President
was injured, along with Jim Brady and several other security
persons.
At first it was believed that the President's ribs were
bruised. As Sim Buker, Ed Meesa, Lyn Nofziger and Lasty
Speakes walked down the hall to gn to the hospital, David
Gergen told r:) to tell the Press they were 02 route to the
hospital. I dir. so. Then I want into bekor's office.
-2-
By this time the Secretary of State had arrived. David
Gergen said, "The Secretary and I are going to the Situation
Room. You go to the Press Office and make sure things are
covered there. "
I went to the Press Office, which was completely filled ---
wall-to-wall -- with screaming reporters. Connie Gerard
saw me standing there and told me Larry Speakes was on the
phone. I went to Connie's desk, picked up the phone and
Larry told me, "Lyn Nofziger has put out a statement that
the President has been shot in the left chest and his
condition is stable. I want you to put out the same
information." I asked him if he wanted me to do it, "Right
here, right now. " He said yes.
By now the reporters were in a state of hysteria. I thought
that I should check this out with David Gergen first.
However, since Speakes was at the hospital, and because
Nofziger had announced from the hospital that the President
had been shot, I put it out. I decided that it would
be much calmer to do it off camera in the Press Office,
instead of standing in front of the cameras. I stepped up
on Connie Gerard's chair and said, "I am confirming what
Lyn Nofziger has just said at the hospital. The President
has been shot in the left chest. His condition is stable."
I was asked to repeat this three times -- and I did so.
At this point, Fred Fielding appeared at the back of the
crowd and motioned me toward him. He took me into the
signation
From
this
I will give some of the details here and the rest in a
separate memo.
While in the Situation Room, David Gergen, Secretary Haig,
Secretary Regan, Attorney General Smith, Dick Allen,
Martin Anderson, Fred Fielding and myself, among others,
were present.
As we were receiving and placing calls, and discussing the
matters at hand, Larry Speakes suddenly appeared on IV
in the White House Briefing Room. David Gergen said,
"What's he doing up there?" I said, "I don't know, I
thought he was at the hospital. 11 Gergen said to go up
-3-
there and pull him off. I left the Situation Room and ran
to the Press Office Briefing Room. I gave Larry Speakes
a note that said to please leave the podium. Speakes read
the note, concluded his remarks and left the
podium. As I turned to leave with Speakes, I saw Secretary
Haig, Dick Allen and David Gergen coming down the hall to
the Briefing Room. I said to David, "What's Haig doing
in there? Should I stop him?" David said, "No- let him go."
I stood aside and let him go in.
As the briefing got underway, I said to Gergen, "I'm not
sure I like this, should we pull him off?" Gergen said,
"No," SO we let him stay at the podium. I said, "OK -- it's
your call."
When Secretary Haig had finished, he stepped down from the
podium and into the hallway where I said to him, "That's
not bad for a Lower Merion graduate, but I bet Upper Darby
can still beat you at football." He laughed as he left the
Briefing Room and walked down the hall to the Situation
Room. We continued working there as before.
I continued to monitor the events in the Situation Room,
Press Office and Jim Brady's office, during which time I
funneled reports into the Situation Room, making sure that
the Press Office staff operated properly.
During this time, I noticed Herb Klien in Jim Brady's office.
Sometime between 5:00 and 6:00. Larry Speakes and I had a
short meating with the Press or ice statt and told them to
stay calm and to continue to dr their job as they has in
the past. David Gergen, Larry Speakes and I had a meeting
with the Press Office staff in the Roosevelt Room about
thirty minutes later. David Gergen spoke to them. This
greatly improved their morale and understanding of the
situation. We cautioned the staff not to put out new
information, but only to repeat what had been said.
Early in the afternoon, Secretary Regan said that he had
just learned of the news about Jim Brady. Later he announced
Brady was dead. Dick Allen said we should observe a moment
of silence for our fallen colleague. We all bowed our heads
and prayed. I remember standing in the corner and praying
that no one else would die. Karna Small, who was in the
Situation Room, was visibly shaken. I put my arms around
her in an attempt to comfort her. Later we got the report
Jim Brady was not dead.
-4-
I ran upstairs to determine where the erroneous confirmation
to the press had originated. I believe that CBS put out
the statement that Brady was dead. I learned from Connie
Gerard that David Prosperi had mistakenly nodded while
talking on two phones at the same time, and a reporter
interpreted his nod to mean that Brady was dead.
I sent Connie Gerard and Kim Hoggard to find Prosperi and
bring him down. Prosperi appeared. Gergen and I talked
with him. He stated the mistake on his part and on the
reporters part. David Gergen and I told Prosperi to go
back to work.
When word was received that the Vice President was en route
to the White House, I walked out to the West Executive
driveway and met Pete Teeley. Pete and I stood waiting
for the motorcade to arrive. I suggested that Ken Khachigian
help him with the Vice President's remarks.
The Vice President's car arrived and Ed Meese was also in
the car. Before the Vice President arrived, Jim Baker came
into the Situation Room. I escorted the Vice President
into the Situation Room and he took the position at the
head of the table.
It was decided that the Vice President would go to the
Briefing Room and give the report to the people. The activity
decreased and I stayed in the press area, attempting to
help the Press Office and staff and reporters with their
events that happened during this confusing time. I have
attempted to provide you with the highlights. I will give
you a more detailed explanation of some significant events
which occurred.
Additionally, I have prepared a critique for Dick Allen.
I will send you a copy.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 2, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR JIM BAKER
MICHAEL DEAVER
ED MEESE
THRU:
RICH WILLIAMSON
pow
FROM:
JIM MEDAS
SUBJECT:
Governor Brown, California - joint legislative
session speech on the attempted assassination,
Friday, April 2, 1981.
Governor Brown had originally planned to make a presentation
concerning the attempted assassination and the need for gun
control.
He ended up making a very short (two minutes) statement of
concern. His change of plan was caused by the reluctance
of some legislative leaders, both Democrat and Republican,
to participate in what they considered to be an ill-advised
public event.
The Governor's comments touched on the nature of the tragedy,
violence in our society, and the need for vigilance.
CC: Dave Gergen
Frank Ursomarso
file
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 2, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR JIM BAKER
MICHAEL DEAVER
ED MEESE
THRU:
RICH WILLIAMSON
FROM:
JIM MEDAS fun
SUBJECT:
Governor Brown of California - Speech on the
attempted assassination.
Governor Jerry Brown has called a Joint Session of the
California Legislature for today, Friday, April 2, 1981,
at 1:15 p.m., EST. At this Joint Session, he plans to
make a speech about the recent assassination attempt on
the President.
Lyn Nofziger is aware of this and has advised the Republicans
in the State Assembly and State Senate to attend rather than
boycott. It is Lyn Nofziger's opinion that to boycott could
possibly affect the President's economic package. We support
Lyn's position on this.
CC: Dave Gergen
Frank Ursomarso
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 1, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR DAVE GERGEN
FROM:
RED CAVANEY
all
This morning Bob Bonitati called on Alfred Antenucci at
Georgetown University Hospital to inquire about his condition
and to express concern. Antenucci, who apparently will be
under care in the hospital for at least a week, was overjoyed
at the special attention. Bob's visit went unreported by the
press.
Mr. Antenucci is a registered Democrat, however, a very big
supporter of the President. If you are soon considering
telephone calls by the President, this might be a very appropriate
one.
CC: Frank Ursomarso
K
PM-REAGAN-SUBDUE 4-1
CLEVELAND LABOR LEADER ILL AFTER GRABBING REAGAN'S ATTACKER
CLEVELAND (UPI) -- ALFRED ANTENUCCI, HEAD OF THE OHIO BUILDING
TRADES UNION, IS HOSPITALIZED IN WASHINGTON WITH AN IRREGULAR
HEARTBEAT HE SUFFERED A FEW HOURS AFTER HE HELPED TACKLE THE MAN
ACCUSED OF SHOOTING PRESIDENT REAGAN, LABOR OFFICIALS IN CLEVELAND
SAID TODAY.
ANTENUCCI, 68, OF GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO, WAS IN FAIR CONDITION IN
THE CORONARY CARE UNIT AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL.
ANTENUCCI, HEAD OF THE OHIO AFL-CIO BUILDING TRADES UNION, AND
ANOTHER CLEVELAND-AREA LABOR OFFICIAL, FRANK J. MCNAMARA, 62, WERE
STANDING OUTSIDE THE WASHINGTON HILTON HOTEL MONDAY AFTERNOON, HOPING
TO SEE THE PRESIDENT WHEN REAGAN WAS SHOT.
ANTENUCCI AND MCNAMARA, PRESIDENT OF THE OHIO STATE BUILDING AND
CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL, HAD JUST ATTENDED THE AFL-CIO TRADE
CONFERENCE THAT REAGAN ADDRESSED BEFORE HE WAS SHOT.
THEY ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO GO GOLFING, BUT STAYED AT THE HOTEL
BECAUSE OF RAIN. THEY TRIED TO GET INSIDE THE HOTEL TO HEAR REAGAN'S
SPEECH, BUT THE DOOR WAS LOCKED.
"WE KNEW THE SPEECH WAS GOING TO BE FINISHED SOON, SO WE STOOD
OUTSIDE, WRITING TO GLIMPSE REAGAN," MCNAMARA SAID.
AS THEY WAITED, ANTENUCCI TOLD HIS SON, DOMINIC, BY TELEPHONE
MONDAY NIGHT, "I SAW A YOUNG MAN STANDING IN FRONT OF ME WITH HIS
HANDS IN HIS POCKETS.
"THE NEXT THING I KNEW, HE HAD PULLED A GUN OUT OF HIS POCKET,"
ANTENUCCI SAID. "I SAW THE GUN FIRE TWO SHOTS. MY FIRST REACTION WAS
TO PUNCH HIM. I PUNCHED HIM A COUPLE TIMES."
ANTENUCCI TOLD HIS SON HE JUMPED ON THE ALLEGED GUNMAN, JOHN W.
HINCKLEY, 25, OF EVERGREEN, COLO. IN THE FRACAS THAT FOLLOWED, HE
SAID, HE WAS STRUCK BY ONE OF THE SECRET SERVICE AGENTS TRYING TO
DISARM THE MAN.
MCNAMARA SAID HE WAS STANDING NEAR ANTENUCCI WHEN "THE PRESIDENT
CAME OUT (AND) THIS PUNK STARTED SHOOTING."
"THAT'S WHEN WE WENT AFTER THE GUY," MCNAMARA SAID. "AL GRABBED
HIM FIRST. AL HAS MORE GUTS THAN ANYBODY ELSE.
THEN I STARTED PUNCHING HIM (THE GUNMAN). I HIT HIM SO HARD IN
THE HEAD I WAS LEFT WITH BLOOD ON MY KNUCKLES," HE SAID.
MCNAMARA SAID HE WASN'T AFRAID DURING THE INCIDENT BECAUSE "THINGS
HERE HAPPENING TOO FAST FOR ME TO BE FRIGHTENED."
BOTH MEN WERE QUESTIONED BY THE FBI, AND ANTENUCCI BECAME
EMOTIONALLY UPSET, COMPLAINING OF AN IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT, HIS SON
SAID.
HE WAS TAKEN TO GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BY A SECRET SERVICE
AGENT AND ADMITTED IN THE CORONARY CARE UNIT.
THE TWO MEN HEADED R GROUP OF ABOUT 350 OHIO BUILDING TRADES
PEOPLE ATTENDING THE THREE-DAY CONFERENCE.
UPI 04-01-81 10:21 AES
[]
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 7, 1981
Dear Dr. O'Leary:
It was a pleasure joining you in lunch
last Thursday afternoon.
Your assistance to the White House staff
during the past week has been invaluable,
and very much appreciated.
I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Kind personal regards,
Fand
Frank A. Ursomarso
Deputy Assistant to the
President
Dr. Dennis O'Leary
Acting Medical Director
George Washington University
Medical Center
2300 I St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO:
JOE CANZERI
FROM:
FRANK URSOMARSO
What do you think of this???
ingling
BROS
BARNUM BAILEY
COMBINED SHOWS
SHOW
April 7, 1981
Frank Ursomarso
Director of Communications
The White House
1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Ursomarso:
On Tuesday, April 14, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
would like to make a special stop at the White House during the
Circus Animal Walk, which traditionally heralds the arrival of
The Greatest Show on Earth to the Nation's Capital and will begin
at the Eckington Train Yards at 12:00 noon.
This year, our parade of ponderous pachyderms, crafty camels and
high-stepping steeds request your permission to proceed up Pennsyl-
vania Avenue to the Presidential Residence, stop, and while our
herd of 18 mighty mammoths perform a spectacular long-mount, (photo
enclosed) unroll and display a very special elephant-sized scroll
extending our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery to the
President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
We are hoping that his special Animal Walk stop and message will
prove a healthy contribution to brightening the day for our President,
and, on a larger scale, toward lightening the mood of the nation.
Estimated arrival time for our imposing aggregation of animal per-
formers at the White House is 12:30 p.m. If President Reagan will
be in residence on April 14, we hope he will be able to watch the
proceedings from a comfortable position in the White House. If not,
we hope that the spirit of the gesture will be conveyed to him by
his staff onlookers and the members of the press.
If you require any further information at this time, please call me
at 363-0201.
-1-
Mr. Ursomarso, I thank you for your interest and enthusiasm and
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
andy Bandle
Cindy Bandle
for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
3701 Macomb St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 363-0201
CAB/me
CC: Greg Newell
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 23, 1981
TO: JOANNA BISTANY
FROM:
FRANK A. URSOMARSO
Director of Communications
Information
X
Action
The attached is the one-page cover sheet
summarizing the "100 Days" you already
have received. Would you please obtain
Dave's sign-off as soon as possible.
Once you have, we will circulate it from
here (via Gergen) to those individuals
you designate.
There seems to me at least the theoretical
possibility that the document could go
out tomorrow, provided sign-off were
required by 9:00 a.m. Is this reasonable?
Do you agree?
Also attached is Barbara Gleason's research
project of Presidential Recovery Periods.
Presidential Recovery Periods
In relatively recent history, three Presidents were disabled
for brief periods during their terms, yet recovered and reasumed
the full responsibilities of the position:
-- Lyndon Johnson underwent gall bladder surgery on October 8,
1965 and surgery to repair a hernia and remove a polyp on
his vocal cords on November 16, 1966.
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower suffered three major illnesses during his
two terms in office; a heart attack on September 23, 1955; an
operation for ileitis on June, 1956 and d. stroke on November 25,
1956.
-- In 1893, President Grover Cleveland was smuggled aboard a yacht
in New York Harbor for a cancer operation on his jaw which was
kept secret for 25 years. This, ~1956 and a stroke on November 25,
considered a precedent enough warrant research.
Lyndon Johnson
On October 8, 1965, Johnson underwent gall bladder surgery at
Bethesda Naval Hospital. By mutual agreement between himself
and the Vice President, Humphrey was to step in as temporary
acting President if the operation left Johnson unable, for any
considerable period, to perform effectively as President. By
midday, however, Johnson was reported once again to be able
to "make decisions." In the meantime, no need for such decisions
had arisen.
During the first week of his hospital stay, two measures he
strongly supported suffered setbacks in Congress -- nullification
of states' "right to work" laws and a homerule bill for D.C.
Johnson remained in the hospital until October 21 when he
returned to the White House. Two days later, October 23, he flew
to Texas to continue his recuperation -- a period lasting until
November 14.
While in Bethesda Naval Hospital, Johnson generally kept in
touch with government affairs through written reports rather
than personal conferences. Special Assistant to the President
Bill Moyers served as his spokesman meeting with him daily and
holding periodic news conferences and issuing Presidential
statements on Johnson's behalf. A scan of the Johnson diary
indicates that his close personal staff during the convalescent
period consisted of Moyers, Legislative Counsel Jake Jacobson.
Special Assistant Jack Valenti, Appointments Secreta him daily,
Watson, and two secretaries. Cabine+ meeting with met frequently
with him were Clark Clifford, Dean and Joe Califano. No
meetings with cabinet officials, members of Congress or foreign
diplomats took place until October 11.
Following in a chronological outline of the President's activities
during his period of convelescence:
October 8 -- Gall bladder surgery
October 9 -- Issued two press releases one of which concerned his
signing of a bill regarding concession rights in
national parks. Held photo session with AP photographer
as he signed bills.
October 10 -- Issued three Executive Orders. Humphrey visited
him. Held photo session and news availability
(Johnson and Humphrey).
October 11 -- President discontinued pain relieving drugs. He met
with Humphrey, Clark Clifford and Dean Rusk.
-- Issued four press releases
October 12 -- Met with personal staff and Attorney General
Katzenbach
October 13 -- Sent message to Congress regarding report on the
trade agreements program. In the addition to
personal staff and friends, met with Legislative
Liaison Larry O'Brien.
October 14 -- Issued two press releases
October 15 -- Humphrey met with Consumer Advisory Council on
behalf of Johnson. Issued two press releases.
Met with Califano, Clifford, Stewart Udall, Abe
Fortas.
October 19 -- Issued one Executive Order
October 20 -- Issued three press releases one of which was the
signing of the Clean Air Act Amendment and solid
waste disposal bill. Present at signing were
Humphrey and key Congressional leaders. Issued
one Executive Order.
October 21 -- Spoke before fellow patients at the hospital then
returned to the White House. Issued three press
releases. Issued Executive Order establishing the
Automotive Agreement Adjustment Board
October 22 -- Congress Adjourned. Johnson issued 9 Presidential
statements most of which concerned the signing of
bills (i.e., Highway Beautification Act, National
Vocational Student Loan Insurance Act, U.S.
Canadian agreement on automotive products)
October 23 -- Flew to Texas to continue recuperation. At the
airport, held a press briefing on the Dominican
Republic. Traveled to Texas with his secretaries
and Jake Jacobson. Bill Moyers met them in Texas.
Issued 5 press releases (one of which announced a
bill signing and two messages to Congress -- on
NASA and the Housing and Home Finance Agency)
Note:
During his stay in Texas, he frequently met with his
personal staff, in particular: Bill Moyers, Jake
Jacobson, and Marvin Watson (his appointments secretary)
October 26 -- Issued two press releases
October 27 -- Dean Rusk visited him at the ranch. Mike Mansfield called
October 28 -- Issued two press releases (a report from the
NASA Administrator regarding Geminis 6 and 7 and
an announcement of plans for the White House
Conference on Health).
October 29 -- Talked with Larry O'Brien by phone.
October 30 -- Talked with Joe Califano by phone. Issued three
press releases (on national economy, Federal
Employee Salary Act, and new silverless 25¢ piece)
November 1 --- Issued four press releases. Issued Executive Order
regarding Air Force mailing privileges in Vietnam
November 2 -- Issued message to White House Conference on Health
November 3 -- Ambassador to Poland sworn in at the ranch. Johnson
attended swearing in of Postmaster General at
Hye, Texas.
November 4 -- Issued three statements included in which were
signing of the Food and Agriculture Act
November 5 -- Signed bill authorizing sale or loan of warships to
friendly powers and bill regarding zinc and nickel
November 6 -- Issued 6 press releases -- three of which concerned
the aluminum war
November 8 -- Issued 4 press releases (one of which was the signing
of the Higher Education Act in San Marcos, Texas)
November 9 -- Issued two press releases (one of which concerned the
power failure in the Northeastern U.S.)
November 10 -- Won aluminum war
November 11 -- Issued two press releases. Held first major foreign
affairs briefing since operation, LBJ Ranch (in
attendance: Rusk, McNamara, Ball, Bundy)
November 13 -- Announced new program for the economic development
of qualified distressed areas
November 14 -- Returned to White House. Personal staff including
speechwriters, secretaries, appointments secretary
and press assistants traveled with him.
Note: According to U.S. News & World Report, November 22, 1965,
after more than a month of recuperation, President Johnson still
was operating on a curtailed schedule although his pace was
picking up. According to U.S. News, Johnson had a busy schedule
in Texas during the week before he returned to Washington. In
addition to signing the Higher Education Act and holding the
foreign affairs review, he:
-- Authorized the Pentagon to provide all the servicemen that
U.S. military commanders request to bolster the 160,000
American already in South Vietnam.
-- Branded the Rhodesian Government of Prime Minister Ian Smith
a "rebel regime" for declaring its independence from Great
Britain, ordered the recall of American diplomats in the
African country and the shutting down of the U.S. Information
Agency there.
-- Went over reports cataloguing the shutdowns or mergers of
military installations in the United States and overseas.
-- Visited a Job Corps center and shook hands with hundreds of
young men training there.
On November 16, 1966, President Johnson underwent surgery to remove
scar tissue which resulted from his earlier operation and to remove
a polyp from his vocal cord. The surgery took place at 6:01 a.m.
and at 8 a.m. he was wheeled back into his room, fully conscious.
Three days later, on November 19, he left the hospital and departed
for the LBJ ranch to recuperate. As during his previous recuperation
period, he utilized on a frequent and regular basis the services
of Bill Moyers who acted as his spokesman; Jack Jacobson, his
legislative counsel; Marvin Watson, his appointments secretary
and his personal secretaries.
Johnson returned to the White House on December 9. Following
is a chronological outline of the President's schedule during
his recuperation from surgery:
November 16 -- Surgery. During the day he met with friends and his
personal staff, including Paul Glynn, his military
aide. In the evening, he dined with his family and
close friends including Clark Clifford. After dinner,
Johnson and Clifford returned to the President's room
for a meeting.
November 17 -- Met with members of the press in the morning. Eisenhower
visited him and together they held an informal press
and photo availability. During the day he met with
Carl Albert, and later with the "big four" on fiscal
and budgetary matters (so dubbed by Mrs. Johnson)
Secretary Fowler, Budget Director Charles Schultze,
Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors Arthur
Okum, and Federal Reserve Board Chairman Bill Martin.
Later in the afternoon Johnson and his wife held
another press and photo availability to cover their
32nd wedding anniversary festivities. He and his wife
were joined for dinner by the Vice President, his wife,
personal staff and friends. During the day, he (through
Moyers) issued two press releases (established executive
assignment system for high-level civil servants and
released memorandum on government operations).
November 18 -- Issued one press release
November 19 -- Met with the press as he departed from the hospital
November 21 -- Issued two minor press releases
November 22 -- Issued one minor press release
November 23 -- Held an awards ceremony at the LBJ ranch to mark the
conclusion of the Gemini space program. Held press
briefing with Secretaries Rusk and McNamara and John
J. McCloy.
November 25 -- Released letter regarding preparation for International
Conference on Education. Allocated more than $1
billion to states for school aid programs in low-income
areas.
November 26 -- Minor memorandum released to the press
November 27 -- According to the New York Times (Nov. 27), Johnson
was doing more work than relaxing at the end of nearly
two weeks of post-operative work and relaxation in
Texas. In addition to announcing budget cuts, he
announced that the Administration was leveling off
overall defense needs as a result of a decision to
increase more slowly the size of the U.S. expeditionary
forces in Vietnam. He also announced that the U.S. and
Saigon were discussing the possibilities of 48-hour
respites in the fighting at Christmas and again on
New Years. Finally, he summoned the Congressional
leadership of both Parties to his ranch to promote
passage of his programs in the upcoming new Congress.
According to the Times, he was experiencing pain and
was hoarse.
November 28
-- Announced agreement for the establishment of a European
Space Research Organization station in Alaska. Issued
an Executive Order regarding the Federal Executive
Salary Schedule.
November 29 -- Formally announced spending cutbacks. Announced his
upcoming meeting with the President of Mexico.
November 30 -- Released letter in response to a report on federally-
assisted summer school programs for disadvantaged
children. Announced reorganization of the Bureau of
Prisons.
December 1
-- Announced report on the Cuban refugee airlift.
December 2 -- Issued two press releases (releasing copper from the
national stockpile and a report on the President's
Commission on the Patent system).
December 3
-- Held press conference at Laughlin Air Force Base
before leaving for Mexico. Brief remarks on his
arrival in Mexico during his inspection of the Amistad
Dam. Joint statement with the President of Mexico
after the inspection.
December 5
-- Issued four press releases (general Presidential
functions).
December 6
--
Issued one press release.
December 7
-- Issued two press releases (one regarding mail fraud,
the other concerning Vietnam Christmas mail)
December 8
-- Issued statement regarding the reaching on an agreement
on an outer space treaty.
December 9 -- Returned to the White House. Met with most of the
Cabinet members upon his return.
On the night of September 23, 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower
suffered a moderate heart attack while in Denver, Colorado. During
his stay in the hospital, his most frequent visitor was Sherman
Adams, who, after October 1, came in almost daily and often more
than once a day. Press Secretary Jim Hagarty and Assistant Press
Secretary Murray Snyder acted as spokesmen during this period.
Every member of the Cabinet visited him, as did the chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of staff, Admiral Radford, his brother Milton,
Presidential special assistants, President Castillo Armas of
Guatemala and many personal friends. He discussed the new defense
budget with his defense advisors, the backlog of decisions piling
up in federal courts with his attorney general, special help for
depressed areas with his economic advisors, and farm questions with
his agriculture secretary. In all, he saw 66 official visitors
between October 1 and his departure from the hospital on November 11.
Vice President Nixon played an active role in the early hours after
the heart attack and throughout the President's recuperation period.
Within hours after Eisenhower's attack, Nixon, Bill Rogers and
Wilton Persons, deputy assistant to the President, met to assure
that the President received the best medical care in the country and
to determine how the day-to-day operations of government were to
be conducted during the President's incapacity. Sherman Adams was
in Scotland. According to Nixon, Eisenhower himself had established
the concept of a "staff system" for conducting White House business.
The "team," consisting of the Cabinet members would carry on
Eisenhower policies in an atmosphere of "business as usual.' When
conflicts or overlap occurred, an "ad hoc" group would be formed to
solve them. At the request of Eisenhower, Nixon presided over
meetings of the Cabinet and Security Council.
According to Eisenhower, he could not have picked a better time to
have a heart attack. The economy was booming, Congress was not
in session, there were no new world crises pending, and he was able
to handle major foreign-policy problems with the help of Secretary
of State Foster Dulles.
Following is a chronological outline of the President's schedule
during his recuperation from surgery:
September 23 -- moderate heart attack in Denver
September 24 -- When his condition stabilized, press spokesman
Jim Hagerty asked him how much information regarding
his illiness should be released to the public.
Eisenhower instructed Hagerty to give full details.
Nixon, Rogers and Persons met to discuss immediate
administrative problems arising from the illness.
-- Nixon had a casual meeting with a few members of
the press regarding the President's condition and
its political implications.
September 25 -- Eisenhower remained in an oxygen tent, visited
only by his wife and son John. Immediately
upon removal of the tent, he asked his secretary
to call Acting Attorney General regarding several
legal matters. Note: During the first few days
of the attack, his doctors kept the newspapers from
him, a decision to which he agreed. His personal
staff kept him fully informed about world events
except for those few days. White House statement
released regarding U.S. and Argentine relations.
White House postponed President's Conference on
Fitness of American Youth.
September 26 -- Cabinet Members Dulles and George Humphrey left
for Canada to attend a joint economic conference
between the U.S. and Canada. Spokesman Jim Hagerty
announced in a news conference that the Attorney
General would be asked of a! opinion 0: the possibility
of Eisenhower delegating his Constitutional powers
and duties during his illness. (an opinion proved
to be not needed and was never developed). Sherman
Adams returned from Scotland. Nixon met with senior
White House personnel, then stayed for a private
luncheon with Adams. That evening, Nixon again met
with Adams along with RNC Chairman Len Hall to
discuss political implications of the illness and
how it might affect the President's renomination. The
White House released a statement concerning scheduled
meetings of the National Security Council and Cabinet.
September 27 -- An Executive Order was issued calling for a study of
the possible delegation of non-Constitutional powers,
but is TPS also news
September 29 -- Vice President Nixon presided over a previously
scheduled National Security meeting.
September 30 -- Nixon presided over a Cabinet meeting during which
they worked out administrative procedures during the
President's recuperation period: 1) On actions which
Cabinet members normally would take without Cabinet
or Presidential consultation, there would be no
change on the normal procedure; 2) Questions which
would normally be brought before the Cabinet for
discussion before decision should continue to be
discussed there; 3) Decisions which would involve
consultation with the President should go first to
the Cabinet or the NSC for thorough discussion and
possible recommendation and then go to the President
in Denver; 4) The proper channel for submission to
the President of matters requiring Presidential
decision should be to"General Persons in the White
House"and then through Governor Adams to the President
in Denver.
The White House issued a statement following the
Cabinet meeting on the conduct of foreign and
domestic affairs during the President's absence. The
President instituted his first official act following
the onset of his illness -- initialing two lists of
recess appointments of foreign service officers.
October 1 -- Sherman Adams flew to Denver to meet with the President.
At Eisenhower's request, Adams helped him devise a
method for carrying out necessary work. Adams also
gave him the notes from the NSC meeting. White House
issued statement regarding forthcoming visit of
Guatemalan President.
October 3 -- Eisenhower sent the 11 wing ot in Missus, expressing
formally the President's request for him to preside
over all "appropriate meetings."
Note: Adams returned to Washington
:
ime between
October 3 and 7. Eisenhower sent with him a
request that Nixon travel to Denver on October 8.
Adams also relayed the message -- with the doctors'
agreement -- that Eisenhower could begin meeting
with government officials on October 11.
October 8 -- Eisenhower met with Nixon. They discussed the plans
by which Adams would bring to the President all matters
for action and a plan for scheduling meetings with
Cabinet members and White House staff. These plans
eliminated the need for Eisenhower to surrender
any of his Presidential powers.
October 11 -- Eisenhower met with Secretary Dulles who was preparing
for the late October Foreign Ministers' meeting in
Geneva. Dulles showed him a draft of a paper for the
conference and Eisenhower made changes. The President
wrote Premier Nikolai Bulganin regarding inspections
for control of armaments in both the U.S. and U.S.S.R.
Bulganin accepted preliminary plan on October 23.
October 15 -- Accepted resignation of Commissioner of IRS
October 18 -- Released letters to Rhode Island Governor on the
recommendations of the New England Governor's Conference
and the establishment of nuclear reactors in New England.
October 21 -- White House issued statement regarding the President's
report to Congress on lend-lease operations
October 22 -- Letter to the Vice President concerning the Conference
on Equal Job Opportunity
October 23 -- Letter to the Vice President and the Cabinet
regarding the task of Secretary Dulles at Geneva.
October 25 -- Eisenhower was allowed to take a few steps.
October 26 -- Issued statement on the Foreign Minister's meeting
in Geneva.
October
27 -- Issued statement on tung oil imports. Sent message
to the National Industrial Conference Board on the
peaceful uses of atomic energy.
October 28 -- Sent letter to President of Mexico on the hurricane-
flood disaster in Tampico
October 29 -- Endorsed Secretary Benson's farm bill
November 9 -- Issued statement following outbreak of hostilities in
the Near East
November 11 -- Departed Denver for Washington, D.C. where he was
greeted by the Vice President, the Cabinet, members
of the Diplomatic Corps, a number of Congressmen and
Senators, and former President Hoover -- in all,
5,000 people.
"I am happy that the doctors have given me a parole,
if not a pardon, and I expect to be back to my
accustomed duties although they say I must ease and
not bulldoze my way into them."
November 12 -- Stayed in the White House personal quarters. Met with
Jim Hagerty and Sherman Adams.
November 13 -- Made several trips to his office
November 14 -- Left the White House and drove to Gettysburg with Mamie.
November 22 --- Held his first post-illiness Cabinet meeting (at Camp
David). The meeting was largely concerned with the
legislative and budgetry program for the next year.
November 28 -- Addressed the White House Conference on Education --
filed at Gettysburg
December 12 -- Issued statement following meetings with Republican
leaders of the Senate and House.
December 20 -- Returned to D.C.
December 28 -- Flew to Key West, Florida for a two-week vacation
On June 7, President Eisenhower suffered an attack of ileitis
and underwent an emergency operation on June 9. Although the
doctors were optimistic about a quick recovery, the press tended
to exaggerate the negative consequences, and many people were
concerend about the soundness of his decision to run for re-election.
(Note: This was his second serious illness in less than a year). The
surgery was performed at Walter Reed Hospital, and he left the
hospital on June 30 for Gettysburg Farm. He returned to Washington
on July 15.
Day-to-day delegation of duties followed in a pattern similar to
that which occurred during his previous illness.
Following is a chronological outline of the President's activities
during the period of recuperation:
June 9 -- Emergency surgery
June
14 -- Chancellor Adenauer visited the President accompanied by
Secretary of State Foster Dulles. They discussed
promoting the liberation of 17 million Germans who were
under Communist rule and their re-unification with Germany
June
17 -- Issued message to the President of Germany on the
anniversary of the demonstrations for freedom on the
Soviet Zone.
June 18 -- Vetoed a minor bill concerning an individual's claim
against the government.
June 19 --- Signed the Library Services Bill. Sent message through
the Vice President to the President's Conference on the
Fitness of American Youth
June 20 -- Visited by the Foreign Minister of France
June 22 -- Exchanged messages with the Chancellor of Germany
June 25 -- Cancelled meeting with Prime Minister Nehru of India
which was scheduled for July 7. Eisenhower indicated
that he could not be sure that his recuperation would be
far enough along for "the kind of talks which we both
had in mind." He indicated, however, that he still
planned a trip to Panama in late July.
June 27 -- Notified the Senate and House of his intention to
propose a new Presidential Commission on office space.
Approved a new program for fundraising within the Federal
establishment. Issued a statement regarding the Vice
President's forthcoming visit to Vietnam.
June 29 -- Issued statement regarding exchanges between the U.S.
and the countries of Eastern Europe.
July 1 -- Left Walter Reed hospital for Gettysburg
July 2 -- Vetoed minor bills. Signed bill making appropriations
for certain government agencies.
July 3 -- Commuted a death sentence
July 9 -- Signed the Water Pollution Act Amendments
July 11 -- Sent message to Congress transmitting Fourth Semiannual
Report under Public Law. Sent message to Greece
following earthquake.
July 15 -- Returned to the White House
-- Received delegation of GOP Congressional leaders,
authorized them to announce he was still running for
re-election
July 16 -- Vetoed bill authorizing certain construction at military
installations
July 18 -- Issued special message to Congress, transmitting Lend-
Lease Operations
July 19 -- White House announced a balanced federal budget
July 20 -- Issued statement concerning requests for supplemental
appropriations
July 21 -- Arrived in Panama for the meeting of the Presidents of
the Americas
August 1 -- Held first news conference in 2 months. When questioned
about his health, he said he had "no doubts" about his
ability to serve a second term
On November 25, 1957, President Eisenhower suffered a mild
stroke -- termed by the doctors as a minor "spasm" of a blood
vessal or nerve. His speech was temporarily impaired and he
continued to experience very mild difficulty in speaking for
the next few weeks. He rested for two days, then assumed light
duties. Friends and doctors urged him to cancel a planned visit
to a NATO meeting on December 13. Eisenhower, however,
considered the trip a test which would determine if he could
physically handle Presidential responsibilities. "If I could
carry out this program successfully and without noticeable
damage to myself, then I would continue in my duties, " Eisenhower
remarked in his memoirs. "If I felt the results to be less
than satisfactory, then I would resign. " Eisenhower made the
trip, and at one point found himself in front of a microphone.
"Ignoring the horrified looks of my staff, I removed my hat and
spoke extemporaneously for the first time since my illness,"
Eisenhower reported in his memoirs. "It was easy to make
but
to me, it represented another milestone
I felt my recovery was
progressing satisfactorily. "
Following is a brief outline of the President's activities
immediately following the stroke:
November 25 -- Suffered stroke. Attempted to attend a dinner for
King Mohammed but was ordered back to bed by his
doctors. Vice President Nixon attended in his stead
November 26 -- Remained in his room
November 27 -- Remained in his room
November 28 -- Declared fit for light duty by doctors. Went to the
hospital for tests
December 9 -- Returned to work
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 11, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FRANK A. URSOMARSO
FROM:
TRICIA HOFFMAN Tricia
SUBJECT:
Get Well Wishes for Jim Brady
On Friday, June 12 at 11:00A.M., Mayor Vince Whibbs of Pensacola,
Florida and his crew, Kevin Evans and Darrell King, will be
driving their 18-wheeler truck to the North West entrance of the
White House where they will be met by Larry Speakes and Powell
Moore. Mayor Whibbs, Kevin and Darrell will present to the two
gentlemen a replica of the 18-wheeler filled with jelly beans for
the President.
The truck will then proceed to the 22nd Street side of the George
Washington Hospital where they will be met by Sarah Brady. They
will present Sarah with a scroll signed by 10,000 get well wishers
from Pensacola, Florida. Sarah will then take the signed scroll
to Jim.
CC: Joe Canzeri
Mark Goode
Jann Mahan
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 22, 1981
Dear Mr. Baker:
Thank you for your letter outlining your
interest in compiling a documentation on
the events of March 30. I appreciate
your request and am sending you a copy of
the Washington Post article which describes
my activity on that day.
As far as my own personal thoughts are
concerned, I have not released them to
the public. If I should decide to do so,
I will inform you at that time.
In the meantime, I wish you luck on your
publication.
Best regards,
Frank A. Ursomarso
Director of Communications
for the Executive Branch
Mr. Mark A. Baker
719 South Manlius Road
Fayetteville, New York 13066
Doole, PLEASELLOW CAN AF A', IS
Mark A. Baker
719 South Manlius Road
Fayetteville, New York
13066
Dear Sir:
I am compiling a total documentation on the events
surrounding the recent attempted assasination of the President
of the United States, on March 30, 1981.
I know you are a very busy person, but if possible, could
you please send me a comment or summerazation of the events or
roles you undertook in this incident. It is very important that
events surrounding such an event be accurately depicted and
documented.
I would also be very interested in any personal comments
you have on this event. I have already received a great deal of
information, but would like your feelings and accounts to add
to this documentation.
I am indeed very grateful for your time and consideration
of my request. We are all interested in preventing any such incident
from ever happening again under any circumstance.
Thank You Very Much,
Mark A. Baker
719 South Manlius Road
Fayetteville, New York
*Historian, Archivist
and Author.
315/637-8856
315/457-2157
315/ 456-3601