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SMC/Antenucci, Alfred [Assassination Attempt on President Reagan] (1)
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SMC/Antenucci, Alfred [Assassination Attempt on President Reagan] (1)
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Records of the Office of Counsel to the President (Reagan Administration)
Sherrie Cooksey'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: Cooksey, Sherrie M.: Files
Folder Title: SMC/ Antenucci, Alfred [Assassination
Attempt on President Reagan] (1)
Box: OA 11720
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
PENDING REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH E.O. 13233
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection: Cooksey, Sherrie M.: Files:
Archivist: kdb
Office of the Counsel to the President
OA/Box: 11720
FOIA ID: F97-098/5, Phelan
File Folder: SMC/Antenucci, Alfred [Assassination Attempt on
Date: 3/16/07
President Reagan] (1)
DOCUMENT
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
NO. & TYPE
OPENED 05/08/2003
A. memo
Cooksey to Linas Kojelis re draft scheduling proposal for President to
5/1/85
I
meet with Antenucci family, 1p
B. note
Cooksey to Richard Hauser re scheduling proposal, 2p
4/30/85
w 1
C. memo
Hauser to Larry Speakes re Antenucci, 1p
3/1/85
"
D. memo
Cooksey to Hauser re Antenucci, 1p
2/28/85
"
E. memo
draft of item C, 1p
2/28/85
i,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR LINAS KOJELIS
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF PUBLIC LIAISON
FROM:
SHERRIE M. COOKSEY SMC
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Scheduling Proposal for the
President to Meet the Antenucci Family
This office has reviewed the above-referenced draft scheduling
proposal and, for the reasons stated below, recommends against
approval of such proposal.
First, any meeting between the President and the family of
Alfred Antenucci would undoubtedly raise questions about
compensation to the Antenuccis for Mr. Antenucci's medical
bills. As we have stated previously, there simply are no
Federal funds available for reimbursement of such expenses;
however, we have been advised by the Brady Foundation that,
based on its informal review of the situation, there is a good
possibility that the Foundation may assist in the payment of
those bills.
Second, as indicated in the attached chronology, we believe
that the President has, on several occasions, appropriately
recognized Alfred Antenucci's heroic act. Indeed, Antenucci
was most recently praised by the President in a nationally
broadcast radio address. In 1981, the President called
Antenucci to thank him for his heroic act and followed that
telephone call with a handwritten note to Antenucci; later, he
met with Antenucci in Chicago. Additionally, the President
sent several messages of praise for Antenucci to be read at
events honoring Antenucci.
Finally, WE are not convinced that the question of Presiden-
tial recognition of Alfred Antenucci continues to be a "live"
issue. Indeed, we are unaware of any continuing press interest
in this matter.
In view of the above, we must recommend against a Presidential
photo opportunity meeting with the Antenucci family.
Attachment
CC: Frederick J. Ryan
CHRONOLOGY
March 30, 1981
Alfred Antenucci wrestles John Hinckley
to ground following assassination attempt.
Antenucci subsequently complains of chest
pains and is taken to Georgetown University
Hospital.
April 1-8, 1981
Antenucci stays in Georgetown Coronary
(Tab A)
Unit where he is visited by Secretary
Donovan and a White House staff member.
April 8, 1981
Antenucci is released from the hospital
(Tab A)
and taken to the airport by a White House
car. He is met at the airport and taken
to United Airlines Red Carpet Lounge to
await his flight home.
April 29, 1981
Mrs. Antenucci writes the President to
(Tab B)
thank him for the thoughtfulness of his
staff toward her husband.
News articles appear in Ohio press that
Antenucci is being ignored.
May 2, 1981
President calls Antenucci to thank him for
(Tab C)
his heroic act.
May 4, 1981
President writes Antenucci and includes a
(Tab D)
handwritten note referencing telephone call.
June 19, 1981
President sends message to special tribute
(Tab E)
to Antenucci.
Sept. 17, 1981
President sends message to be read at
(Tab F)
Sept. 24, 1984 tribute to Antenucci and
Cleveland Labor Leaders.
Sept., 1981
Antenucci meets the President in Chicago.
April, 1982
Antenucci has lunch in White House mess
with White House staff member.
May 2, 1984
President sends get well message to
(Tab C)
Antenucci in hospital.
May 10, 1984
Another Presidential letter sent to
(Tab II)
Antenucci in hospital.
May 14, 1984
President sends condolences to Antenucci
(Tab I)
Family.
-2-
June 14, 1984
Antenucci daughter writes President
(Tab J)
complaining about lack of recognition and
$28,000 medical bill.
July 13, 1984
Senator Glenn forwards daughter's letter
(Tab K)
to White House.
July-Nov. , 1984
WH Counsel's Office talks with daughter,
advises no Federal funds available and
that the Brady Foundation is considering
making such funds available.
Nov. 5, 1984
Peter Rusthoven writes daughter advising
(Tab L)
that Brady Foundation may be able to
assist family. Rusthoven also responds to
Senator Glenn.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
4/30/85
TO: Richard A. Houser
FROM: Sherrie M. Cooksey
Associate Counsel
to the President
FYI
COMMENT
ACTION
I think we should opose this
smc /. A2 discussed, no agal issues
one presented. harderfor, any meeting
would raise the question
of compensation
2. I believe the President did more
than cirdicated in the scheduling memo
and ( weis
3. 2 don't believe this is a
press issue ovymoe Rood
28
-
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date: 4/29/85
TO:
sherrie Cooksey
FROM:
LINAS KOJELIS
Associate Director
Office of Public Liaison
Room 438 OEOB, Ext. 2741
SUBJECT:
Antenucci Photo op
The attached is for your:
Information
Review & Comment
Direct Response
Appropriate Action
Draft Letter
Signature
File
Other
Please Return By COB 5/1/85
Comments:
DRAFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
WASHINGTON
April 26, 1985
TO:
FREDERICK J. RYAN, DIRECTOR, PRESIDENTIAL
APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING
FROM:
PAT BUCHANAN, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
REQUEST:
For the President to receive the family of
Alfred Antenucci (photo op).
PURPOSE:
For the President to personally thank,
recognize and pay respects to the family of
Mr. Antenucci, who helped tackle John
Hinckley after the March 30 shooting incident
at the Washington Hilton.
BACKGROUND:
Alfred Antenucci was responsible for tackling
John Hinckley following his assassination
attempt on the President. Subsequently, he
began having health problems which required
hospitalization soon after the incident. His
family claims that the White House made
promises in regards to a WH luncheon and
would handle his medical expenses, none of
which were kept. Mr. Antenucci was lauded by
local organizations in his home state of
Ohio, but died last May, without receiving
the Presidential recognition his family
believes he deserved.
Although a series of gestures were made
toward Mr. Antenucci, neither he nor his
family have ever had the opportunity to
receive the President's gratitude in person.
This omission has resulted in the continued
festering of this issue in the press, Con-
gress and in the Italian-American community.
We have assurances from the Antenucci family
that such a meeting would be proper final due
recognition for Mr. Antenucci's actions.
PREVIOUS
The President sent a congratulatory telegram
PARTICIPATION:
to Mr. Antenucci at a dinner in his honor;
several messages while he was ill in the
hospital, one of which was received the day
after he died; and a telegram to his widow
expressing condolences.
DATE:
May
DURATION: 5 minutes
LOCATION:
Oval Office
PARTICIPANTS:
5 members of the Antenucci family
DRAFT
DRAFT
OUTLINE OF EVENTS: The President would greet the participants,
make brief remarks, pose for photos, and the
participants would depart from the room.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Talking points
MEDIA COVERAGE:
WH Photographer
RECOMMENDED BY:
Pat Buchanan
PROJECT OFFICER:
Linas Kojelis, x2741
DRAFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
March 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY M. SPEAKES
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
Original Signed by RAH
FROM:
RICHARD A. HAUSER
DEPUTY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Alfred Antenucci
This will respond to your request for our views on the appro-
priate response to the rising number of media inquiries you
are receiving on Alfred Antenucci.
As you are undoubtedly aware, the overriding issue here is not
a legal one; there are, however, two subsidiary legal questions
which I will address. First, questions may be raised whether
Federal funds are available to cover Mr. Antenucci's medical
expenses. As discussed in Peter Rusthoven's November 5, 1984
letter to Antenucci's daughter (Tab L), there simply are no
Federal funds that would be available for reimbursement of
those medical expenses. We have, however, discussed this
matter with James A. Wilderotter, attorney for the Brady
Foundation and been advised that, based on an informal review
of the Antenucci situation, there is a good possibility that
the Foundation may assist in the payment of those medical
bills.
Second, you have asked whether it is possible for a medal to
be awarded posthumously to Mr. Antenucci for his act of
bravery. We have been advised by the Executive Clerk that, as
a matter of longstanding historical tradition, no Presidential
medal has been awarded to a civilian adult American citizen
for individual acts of bravery or heroism. The "exceptions"
to this have been awards of the Presidential Citizen's Medal
(which is for exemplary deeds of service to the country or
fellow citizens) to Joe Delaney (the football player who
drowned last year rescuing two children) and to two Foreign
Service officers who died in the line of duty in the Middle
East. Those situations, however, are distinguishable from the
one at hand, as Mr. Antenucci did not die during his act of
bravery. In view of the foregoing, we doubt that the award of
a Presidential medal to Mr. Antenucci would be appropriate.
Attached for your information and use in evaluating the
appropriate response to this situation is a chronology of all
the actions taken by the President and his staff to thank and
recognize Mr. Antenucci. As you will see from that file,
Antenucci was thanked personally by the President on several
occasions.
Attachment
RAH: SMC 3/1/85
cc: RAHauser/SMCooksey/Subject/Chron.
CHRONOLOGY
March 30, 1981
Alfred Antenucci wrestles John Hinckley
to ground following assassination attempt.
Antenucci subsequently complains of chest
pains and is taken to Georgetown University
Hospital.
April 1-8, 1981
Antenucci stays in Georgetown Coronary
(Tab A)
Unit where he is visited by Secretary
Donovan and a White House staff member.
April 8, 1981
Antenucci is released from the hospital
(Tab A)
and taken to the airport by a White House
car. He is met at the airport and taken
to United Airlines Red Carpet Lounge to
await his flight home.
April 29, 1981
Mrs. Antenucci writes the President to
(Tab B)
thank him for the thoughtfulness of his
staff toward her husband.
News articles appear in Ohio press that
Antenucci is being ignored.
May 2, 1981
President calls Antenucci to thank him for
(Tab C)
his heroic act.
May 4, 1981
President writes Antenucci and includes a
(Tab D)
handwritten note referencing telephone call.
June 19, 1981
President sends message for special tribute
(Tab E)
to Antenucci.
Sept. 17, 1981
President sends message to be read at
(Tab F)
Sept. 24, 1984 tribute to Antenucci and
Cleveland Labor Leaders.
Sept., 1981
Antenucci meets the President in Chicago.
April, 1982
Antenucci has lunch in White House mess
with White House staff member.
May 2, 1984
President sends get well message to
(Tab G)
Antenucci in hospital.
May 10, 1984
Another Presidential letter sent to
(Tab H)
Antenucci in hospital. (Mr. Antenucci
died on May 9, 1984.)
May 14, 1984
President sends condolences to Antenucci
(Tab I)
Family.
-2-
June 14, 1984
Antenucci daughter writes President
(Tab J)
complaining about lack of recognition and
$28,000 medical bill.
July 13, 1984
Senator Glenn forwards daughter's letter
(Tab K)
to White House.
July-Nov., 1984
WH Counsel's Office talks with daughter,
advises no Federal funds available and
that the Brady Foundation is considering
making such funds available.
Nov. 5, 1984
Peter Rusthoven writes daughter advising
(Tab L)
that Brady Foundation may be able to
assist family. Rusthoven also responds to
Senator Glenn.
smcsus.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WABHINGTON
February 28, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD A. HAUSER
FROM:
SHERRIE M. COOKSEY sme
SUBJECT:
Alfred Antenucci
Attached for your review and comment is a memorandum responding
to Larry Speakes' request for your views on how to proceed in
response to the media inquiries on Alfred Antenucci.
The proposed memorandum explains that this does not appear to
be a "legal" problem as there are no apparent Federal remedies
(e.g., payment of medical services or award of a medal)
available for Antenucci. In response to earlier inquiries on
this matter, Peter Rusthoven concluded that no Federal funds
were available for payment of Antenucci's medical expenses;
and according to the Executive Clerk's office, historically
the President has not awarded medals to civilian adult citizens
for individual acts of bravery or heroism. The only "excep-
tions" to this historical tradition have been awards of the
Presidential Citizen's Medal (which is given to an adult
citizen in recognition of his or her exemplary deeds of
service to the country or fellow citizens) to Joe Delaney (the
football player who drowned saving two children) and to two
Foreign Service officers who died in the Middle East. As
those exceptions were for people who died "in the act," it
does not appear that Antenucci would fall into that category.
(Although you raised the question of the medal awarded to the
girl who was severely burned rescuing her sister and brother
from a fire, that award is not available for Antenucci as it
is limited to Americans under the age of 18.)
The proposed memorandum also contains a chronology of the
efforts made by the President and his staff to thank and
recognize Antenucci and notes that there is a good possibility
that the Brady Foundation will pay Antenucci's medical expenses.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
NGTCN
February 28, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY M. SPEAKES
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
FROM:
RICHARD A. HAUSER
DEPUTY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Alfred Antenucci
This will respond to your request for our views on the appro-
priate response to the rising number of media inquiries you
are receiving on Alfred Antenucci.
As you are undoubtedly aware, the overriding issue here is not
a legal one; there are, however, two subsidiary legal questions
which I will address. First, questions may be raised whether
Federal funds are available to cover Mr. Antenucci's medical
expenses. As discussed in Peter Rusthoven's November 5, 1984
letter to Antenucci's daughter (Tab L), there simply are no
Federal furds that would be available for reimbursement of
those medical expenses. We have, however, discussed this
matter with James A. Wilderotter of the Brady Foundation and
been advised that, based on an informal review of the Antenucci
situation, there is a good possibility that the Foundation may
assist in the payment of those medical bills.
Second, you have asked whether it is possible for a medal to
be awarded posthumously to Mr. Antenucci for his act of
bravery. We have been advised by the Executive Clerk that, as
a matter of longstanding historical tradition, no Presidential
medal has been awarded to a civilian adult American citizen
for individual acts of bravery or heroism. The "exceptions"
to this have been the award of the Presidential Citizen's
Medal to Joe Delaney (the football player who drowned last
year rescuing two children) and to two Foreign Service officers
who died in the line of duty in the Middle East. Those
situations, however, are distinguishable from the one at hand,
as Mr. Antenucci did not die during his act of bravery. In
view of the foregoing, we doubt that the award of a Presiden-
tial medal to Mr. Antenucci would be appropriate.
Attached for your information and use in evaluating the
appropriate response to this situation is a chronology of all
the actions taken by the President and his staff to thank and
recognize Mr. Antenucci. As you will see from that file,
Antenucci was thanked personally by the President on several
occasions.
Attachment
CHRONOLOGY
March 30, 1981
Alfred Antenucci wrestles John Hinckley
to ground following assassination attempt.
Antenucci subsequently complains of chest
pains and is taken to Georgetown University
Hospital.
April 1-8, 1981
Antenucci stays in Georgetown Coronary
(Tab A)
Unit where he is visited by Secretary
Donovan and a White House staff member.
April 8, 1981
Antenucci is released from the hospital
(Tab A)
and taken to the airport by a White House
car. He is met at the airport and taken
to United Airlines Red Carpet Lounge to
await his flight home.
April 29, 1981
Mrs. Antenucci writes the President to
(Tab B)
thank him for the thoughtfulness of his
staff toward her husband.
News articles appear in Ohio press that
Antenucci is being ignored.
May 2, 1981
President calls Antenucci to thank him for
(Tab C)
his heroic act.
May 4, 1981
President writes Antenucci and includes a
(Tab D)
handwritten note referencing telephone call.
June 19, 1981
President sends message to special tribute
(Tab E)
to Antenucci.
Sept. 17, 1981
President sends message to be read at
(Tab F)
Sept. 24, 1984 tribute to Antenucci and
Cleveland Labor Leaders.
Sept., 1981
Antenucci meets the President in Chicago.
April, 1982
Antenucci has lunch in White House mess
with White House staff member.
May 2, 1984
President sends get well message to
(Tab C)
Antenucci in hospital.
May 10, 1984
Another Presidential letter sent to
(Tab II)
Antenucci in hospital.
May 14, 1984
President sends condolences to Antenucci
(Tab I)
Family.
-?- -
June 14, 1984
Antenucci daughter writes President
(Tab J)
complaining about lack of recognition and
$28,000 medical bill.
July 13, 1984
Senator Glenn forwards daughter's letter
(Tab K)
to White House.
July-Nov., 1984
WH Counsel's Office talks with daughter,
advises no Federal funds available and
that the Brady Foundation is considering
making such funds available.
Nov. 5, 1984
Peter Rusthoven writes daughter advising
(Tab L)
that Brady Foundation may be able to
assist family. Rusthoven also responds to
Senator Glenn.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 25, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DICK HAUSER
FROM:
Larry Speakes
We continue to receive press inquiries on our response to the
Cleveland Plain Dealer story about the Antenucci family, the
survivors of the man who jumped on John Hinckley. The stories
center on what the family believes they were promised by
representatives of the White House and has played prominently in
Cleveland, with the latest inquiry from NBC News.
Whether the family's claims are legitimate or not does not
matter. We have a PR problem which is making the President look
insensitive and ungrateful and we should do something soon as
this could figure in a network news story.
As I see it we have several options:
1) Invite the Antenucci family to lunch with the President.
2) Take action to have an appropriate medal presented
posthumously to Mr. Antenucci.
3) Have the President write to Mr. Antenucci's family.
4) Have the President call the Antenucci family.
We can make the President look good by saying that once he heard
of their disappointment, he directed that (whatever) be done.
I'll appreciate your thoughts on how to proceed.
CC: Donald T. Regan
Ed Rollins
Sherrie Cooksey
Mark Weinberg
A
BACKGROUND
Alfred Antenucci, 69 years old, is the head of
the District Council of Carpenters in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. Antenucci helped tackle the man accused of shooting
the President on Monday, March 30. He was hospitalized
in the Coronary Care Unit at Georgetown University
Hospital in the afternoon of March 30 after he complained
of an irregular heartbeat. He was visited in the
hospital by a White House Staff member, Robert F. Bonitati,
and Secretary Donovan.
Mr. Antenucci was released on Wednesday, April 8.
A White House car was sent to pick him up at the
hospital. On the way to the airport, Mr. Antenucci
was taken on a tour of the cherry blossoms. Upon his
arrival at the airport, Mr. Antenucci was taken to
the United Airlines Red Carpet Lounge where he was able
to wait until his flight departed.
Mr. Antenucci can be reached at his home in Garfield
Heights, Ohio at (216) 662-0536.
B
april 29, 1981
Dear mr. President:
It was good to see you feeling
well enough to speak on Television
to the nation last might. we have
been praying for you and the other
thee men that were injured. we
are so grateful that no one was
killed. we also suffered personally
in this traumatic experience they
husband was standing in back 8
Hinkley. when he realized he was
the one shooting he jumped on his
back and started hitting him to
change his line of fire. He feed
him down until the S.S.
men fell on Toyo of him,
Than be got ont
of ale way so
the S.S. men could
tobe. charge, while he was being
questioned his blood pressure
went one of control and he started
Loving unegular heart beats. He
was rusled to Georgetown Univ.
Hospital. He was hysterical and
cried for three days and nights. He
remained in the hospital for ten
says ustie they stabilized his
blood pressure and heart beats. He
is much better now least stice is
under heavy medication. He will
never forget that afternoon. He is
i Business Representative in The
corpenters usion and was at the
silton for the convention. we agree
with you that this is not a sick
nation. we have received so
mony beautiful cards and
letters from people
praying for my
husband. we have
just benoveulelned. The nurses
and Doctors at the hospital were
just wonderful working with him
and keeping reporters away from
us, mr. Russo got in touch with
us and had his office staff make
reservations for us to come home
and provided transportation to the
airport and also kept reporters away
we wish to thank them for being
Do nice. mr. Ray Donovan was
allowed to visit my husband and
presented him with cuff lisks and
a the clasp which he will treasure
for the rest of his life. my lushard
and the rest of our family actions Roses that
by his quick thinkings he saved
someone from being killed and
most of all the President.
we cannot bear
another John Kennedy
Bobby Kennedy and
maitin Sutter K ing
tragedy.
Sincerely mis. alfed Ortenwed
and fomily