MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT

SUBJECT: Selection and Interment of an Unknown Serviceman from the Vietnam Era

In 1973, Congress enacted Public Law 93-43 which directs the Secretary of Defense to inter the remains of an unidentified U.S. Serviceman from the Vietnam Era as the Vietnam Unknown to lie beside the other three Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

We have attempted to identify all remains from the Vietnam Era and to the good fortune of many families we have been quite successful. There have been very few remains which were not almost immediately identified.

In 1982 we began an intensive effort to determine whether any of the remains in our possession are qualified candidates for the Vietnam Unknown. We concluded that we have one set of remains which cannot be identified and which, although not as complete as we would like, meets the legal requirements for the Vietnam Unknown and therefore is qualified.

There has been considerable interest in interring a Vietnam Unknown. Concerned Members of Congress (90+) and the principal Veterans organizations support the early interment of a Vietnam Unknown. The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia objected in the past but now support the interment of the Vietnam Unknown.

The interment of a Vietnam Unknown is the highest honor our Nation can give to the Vietnam Veterans. The Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery is visited by most visiting Heads of State, other foreign dignitaries, State Governors and millions of visitors annually. They come to honor the Unknown Soldiers who symbolize the sacrifices made by all who served in the respective wars, particularly those who made the supreme sacrifice. I believe the Nation would consider the interment of an Unknown a fitting honor to those who served their country in Southeast Asia.

2

However, in our public relations we should provide assurance that the interment of an Unknown will not result in a diminution of efforts to secure the remaining MIAs.

Fred Fielding, Craig Fuller and Jim Jenkins of your staff were briefed some time ago on this matter.

Based on the mandate from Congress and other considerations mentioned above, we plan to inter a Vietnam Unknown on Memorial Day, May 28, 1984. As with previous Unknown Soldiers, you will be asked to issue a Presidential Declaration calling for a period of mourning and a State Funeral for the Vietnam Unknown. The Army will be my executive agent in this affair. Unless you want to announce this decision from the White House we will make the public announcement after notifying key Congressional interests, the Veterans organizations and the League of Families.

I look forward to joining you in honoring those who faithfully served their Nation during those difficult times.