Lot 130
Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States. Typed Letter Signed "Jerry Ford" as President, one page, 6¾" x 8¾", Washington D.C., May 21, 1975 on pale green White House stationery with the blind embossed presidential seal at top center to Republican Congressman CW. Bill Young of Florida, reading in full, "I have received your telegram of May 16 and have also noted your remarks in the Congressional Record for May 15 expressing congratulations for my decision to retake the SS MAYAGUEZ and to rescue its crew. As you know, we did pursue a diplomatic solution, but after 48 hours of not receiving any response from the Cambodian Government, I concluded that Congress and the American people would back my action to recover the ship and its crew by military action. Your support is deeply appreciated…", Very Fine.Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
SIX DAYS AFTER THE USS MAYAGUEZ, SEIZED BY CAMBODIA, WAS RETAKEN BY U.S. TROOPS, PRESIDENT FORD WRITES THAT BE BAD "CONCLUDED THAT CONGRESS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WOULD BACK MY ACTION TO RECOVER THE SHIP AND ITS CREW BY MILITARY ACTION…".
On May 15, 1975, at 12:27 A.M., in The Briefing Room at The White House, President Ford announced: "At my direction, the United States forces tonight boarded the American merchant ship SS MAYAGUEZ and landed at the Island of Koh Tang for the purpose of rescuing the crew and the ship, which had been illegally seized by Cambodian forces. They also conducted supporting strikes against nearby military installations. I have now received information that the vessel has been recovered intact and the entire crew has been rescued. The forces that have successfully accomplished this mission are still under hostile fire, but are preparing to disengage. 1 wish to express my deep appreciation and that of the entire Nation to the units and the men who participate in these operations for their valor and for their sacrifice.