President Ford tentatively ordered honorable discharges for an estimated 700 military deserters who served in Vietnam and were wounded in action or decorated for valor.
Ford said he wanted the honorable discharges given unless there is “a compelling reason to the contrary” in an individual case. His action was limited to men who applied for relief under his 1974-75 clemency program.
In memoranda to the attorney general, the defense secretary and the nation’s military leaders, Ford said:
“As commander in chief and consistent with the spirit of reconciliation of my clemency program, I am hereby directing that you take all necessary action to insure that the discharges of these former service members who were wounded in combat or who received decorations for valor in combat in Vietnam and who applied to the clemency program be reviewed on an individual basis. I am further directing that these discharges be recharacterized as honorable conditions unless you find a compelling reason to the contrary in any case.”
Ford’s action, according to White House officials, meant those men affected would have their veterans rights and medical benefits restored.
This continues the Appeal’s review of news stories and headlines during its Sesquicentennial year.
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