ARRANGEMENTS TO RECEIVE THE AMERICAN LEGION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90G01353R001900070010-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 18
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 30, 2012
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: February 26, 1988
• Content Type: MEMO

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mtMUKANUUM.FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
William M. Baker
Director, Public Affairs Office
SUBJECT: Arrangements to Receive the American Legion
Distinguished Service Medal
1. You will be receiving the American Legion Distinguished Service Medal
on Tuesday, 1 March, 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. at the Sheraton Ballroom, Sheraton
Washington Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, NW. Phone: [phone] I will remain with
you throughout the program.
2. Arrangements: You are asked to be at the convention entrance of the
hotel at 79:45 a.m. Deputy Director of Public Relations for the American
Legion, John Hanson, will meet you and escort you to the backstage of the
Ballroom. You will be met by the following:
*John P. "Jake" Comer National Commander
*James P. Dean Past National Commander
Robert W. Spanogle (Spa-NO-gul) National Adjutant
Mylio S. Kraja (KRAH-ya). Executive Director, Washington
Headquarters Office
Pearl Behrend National President, American Legion
Auxiliary
*See opposite for biographies. The American Legion photographer will take
photographs.
Jim Dean and Jake Comer will escort you to the stage and remain with you.
Mr. Dean will introduce you at 10:00 a.m. and present you with the
Distinguished Service Medal. (A ribbon with the medal will be placed around
your neck and photographs will be taken.) Your remarks before the legislative
rally are scheduled to begin at approximately 10:01 a.m. and last about five
minutes. At the end of your remarks Jake Comer will escort you backstage and
photographs will be taken of you wearing the medal. You will be able to
depart at approximately 10:20 a.m.
~CP
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CONFIDENTIAL
A.standing podium and microphone will be. available. DCI Security will
tape,your-remarks for .the.Agency_'s historical files.
3. Audience: --You can-expect an audience--of--500-2000-Legionnaires--and
Auxiliary members. Media coverage of the award ceremony is not definite.
However, if the media are present, they will be on a platform in the back of
the room.
- 4. Background: The Distinguished Service Medal is the Legion's highest
honor,-anhas been presented to Presidents and other-leading US citizens (See
opposite for list of recipients.) Criteria for receiving the award include
outstanding service to the nation and to the -program of The American Legion to
protect our form of government. Due to a .conflict in-your schedule, you were -
unable-to receive this award at their annual convention last August.
President Reagan is scheduled to speak on Monday, February 29th at a
special joint meeting of the Legion and Auxiliary. Other presentations will
take place at the March 1st rally prior to the time that you receive your
award. ABC-TV and the Public Broadcasting System will receive a Legion
commendation for Project Literacy US (PLUS), and Representative Edward Boland
of Massachusetts will be presented the Legion's Public Service Award for his
work in Congress on veterans' issues. On March 2nd a representative of the
''Nicaraguan paper LA PRENSA will receive the National Commander's Public
Relations Award. The Legion has supported aid to the Contras for the last
several years. Jake Comer visited Nicaragua twice in 1987.
The American Legion is the nation's largest veterans' organization with a
membership of 2.9 million men and women. To be eligible, a veteran must have
served during either World War I or II, in Korea or Vietnam and be honorably
discharged or still on active duty. The Legion has organized 16,000 posts
around the world. The largest segment of their membership is made up of World
War II veterans, and more than 800,000 members served in Vietnam. (For
further background information see opposite.)
William M. Baker
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STAT
ILLS
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ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SUBJECT: (Optional)
Acceptance of American Legion Distinguished Medal, March 1, 1988
Sheraton Washington Hotel, Washington, DC
FROM:
Baker ~ :1
William M
EXTENSION
NO.
PAO NO. 88-0081
.
Director, Public Affairs
27676
DATE
25 February 1988
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February 25, 1988
RE: Acceptance of American Legion
Distinguished Medal
March 1, 1988
Sheraton Washington Hotel
Washington, D.C.
You have agreed to accept the American Legion's Distinguished Medal for
Outstanding Service. This award is the Legion's highest honor, and has been
given to eight United States Presidents. Additional information on the award,
the recipients, and the audience is included in your briefing package.
In your brief remarks, you express appreciation for the award and
acknowledge the efforts of those who have worked , with. you. in the FBI and CIA.'
You note that the American Legion's members have served the nation with
dedication and distinction in times of war, and you conclude by recognizing
the need for talented and dedicated Americans in public service to meet the
challenges of tomorrow.
I have attached your proposed remarks.
8111 Baker
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PROPOSED REMARKS
BY
WILLIAM H. WEBSTER
DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
AT THE
AMERICAN LEGION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CEREMONY
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MARCH 1, 1988
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GOOD MORNING.
.I AM HONORED TO RECEIVE THE AMERICAN LEGION'S DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE MEDAL TODAY, AND I APPRECIATE THE KIND WORDS OF MR.,DEAN. I
HAVE BEEN UNIQUELY PRIVILEGED TO HEAD BOTH THE FBI AND THE CIA--A
PRIVILEGE THAT HAS GIVEN ME AN APPRECIATION FOR THE DEDICATION AND
COURAGE OF THE MEMBERS OF THOSE INSTITUTIONS. MY EXPERIENCE HAS
ALSO GIVEN ME A RENEWED APPRECIATION FOR ALL THAT WE MUST DO TO
SAFEGUARD OUR INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES AND TO PRESERVE OUR NATION'S
FREEDOM.
I AM ESPECIALLY HONORED TO RECEIVE A DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION, WHOSE MEMBERSHIP HAS SERVED THIS COUNTRY
WITH DEDICATION AND DISTINCTION IN TIMES OF WAR. YOU AND OTHERS WHO
HAVE SERVED THIS NATION ARE NOT PREOCCUPIED BY FAME OR FORTUNE, BUT
HAVE SEEN A WAY'TO EXPRESS YOUR COMMITMENT AND YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR
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A SAFER AND A BETTER WORLD. THIS IS WHY YOU SERVED, AND WHY, GOD
WILLING, ENORMOUSLY TALENTED AND DEDICATED AMERICANS WILL BE JOINING
-US FOR THE GREAT CHALLENGES. NOT YET ENTIRELY-DEFINED, THAT WILL BE
WAITING FOR US TOMORROW.
THANK YOU FOR HONORING ME TODAY.
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ALnerican
egion
OFFICE OF THE
NATIONAL ADJUTANT
Executive Regist
87-4529X/3
* NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS * P. O..8OX 1055 * INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206
[phone]
December 3, 1987
77-48-2
Honorable William H. Webster
Director, Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Judge Webster:
To assist you in planning for your attendance at our annual Washington
Conference to be held February 29 - March 2, 1988, I am enclosing a
schedule of events for.the conference.
More information on your appearance to receive our Distinguished Service
Medal will be forthcoming at a later date through Mylio S. Kraja,
Executive Director of our Washington Office.
Best wishes for the holiday season.
National Adjutant
cc: John P. "Jake" Comer - National Commander
James P. Dean - Past National Commander
Mylio S. Kraja - Executive Director, Washington
E. Philip Riggin - Legislative Director
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ALL MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT THE SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS - WASHINGTON CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 2, 1988
Sunday, February 28, 1988
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Dept. Service Officers Seminar
12:00 noon Registration
Tickets (YE STEIVOS, ANAVICUS,
DSO, RECEPTION AND LUNCHEON)
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Veterans' Planning and Marshall Room
Coordinating Committee
Monday, February 29, 1988
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. ANAVICUS Breakfast
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS OFFICE
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. National Commander
through Wed., March 2 National Adjutant
National Judge Advocate
Executive Directors
National Treasurer Johnson Room
Finance
Public Relations
VA & Rehabilitation/Economics
Legislative/Americanism and C&Y
Natl. Security/Foreign Relations/
Internal Affairs
Baltimore/Annapolis
Registration Area B
Kennedy Room
Taft Room
Eisenhower Room
Roosevelt Room
MEETINGS
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Economic Commission
Natl. Security/Foreign Relations
(Joint Meeting)
Finance Commission
Public Relations Commission
VA & Rehabilitation Conference
Amer. Legion Magazine Commission
South Sheraton
Holmes Room
Warren Room
Virginia Room
Idaho Room
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
National Security Commission
Foreign Relations Commission
Maryland Room
Wilmington Room
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Tuesday, March 1, 1988
HILL DAY
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
YE, STEIVOS Breakfast
Cotillion
8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Legislative Rally
Sheraton
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING RALLY
Meeting of Department Liaison
Representatives
Membership, to Capitol Hill
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
VA .& Rehabilitation
Virginia Room
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
American Legion Magazine
Marshall Room
2:00 p.m.
National Commander's
Advisory Committee
N A T I O N A L C O M M A N DER ' S R E C E' P T I 0 N
--------- --------- - ---------
5:30 p.m: - 7:30 p.m.
National Commander's Reception
in Honor of Members of Congress
106 Dirksen
B 357 Rayburn
Foyer Rayburn
Wednesday, March 2, 1988
7:30 a.m.
-"9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Dept. Service Officers Breakfast
Economic Commission
Foreign Relations Commission
Legislative Commission
.National Security Commission
VA & Rehabilitation Commission
Sheraton North
Dover Room
Wilmington Room
Idaho Room
Maryland Room
,Arlington/Alexandria
N A T I 0 N.A L C O M M A N D E R' S L U N C H E O N
-------- --------- -, -------
11:30 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
Reception
Luncheon
Sheraton Foyer
Sheraton Ballroom
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Ex~ci~e i;egishy
The
87-4529x/2
A erica n
egion * NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS * P. 0.8OX 1055, * INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 *
[phone] *
OFFICE OF THE
NATIONAL ADJUTANT
October 27, 1987
77-48-2
Honorable William H. Webster
Director, Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Judge Webster:
Thank you for your letter of October 19. We are pleased you will be able
to accept The American Legion's Distinguished Service Medal on Tuesday,
March 1, during our Washington Conference.
The Twenty-Eighth Annual Washington Conference of The American Legion will
be held on February 29 - March 2, 1988, in Washington, D. C. The Sheraton
Washington Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road at Connecticut Avenue, N. W., will be
the conference site.
On Tuesday, March 1, 1988, a Legislative Rally for all conferees will
commence at 9:00 a.m. The exact location of the Legislative Rally will
be provided to you in November when the schedule. of events is finalized.
We have scheduled the presentation of The American Legion Distinguished
Service Medal to you for approximately 10:00 a.m. during the Legislative
Rally. Past National Commander James P. Dean of Mississippi will make this
presentation on behalf of The American Legion.
A reception honoring the Congress of the United States will be held on
Tuesday evening, March 1, hosted by National Commander John P. "Jake" Comer.
We would be honored to have you in attendance. Information concerning the
time and location of this reception will be provided when the details have
been confirmed.
Mylio S. Kraja, Executive Director of The American Legion's Washington
Office, 1608 K Street, N. W., Washington, D. C., 20006; [phone],
will be in direct contact with you to complete the details of.your visit.
For introductory purposes, please send me a copy of your biographical
data.
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Honorable William H. Webster
Page two
October 27, 1987
We look forward to meeting you and to the pleasure of presenting this award
to you during our 1988 Washington Conference.
ROBERT W. SPANOGLE
National Adjutant
cc: John P. "Jake" Comer - National Commander
James P. Dean - Past National Commander
Mylio S. Kraja - Executive Director, Washington
William D. Jackson - Executive Director, Indianapolis
Hubert R. Dagley, II - Public Relations Director
E. Philip Riggin - Legislative Director
Raymond C. Patterson - Internal Affairs Director
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6 October 1987
RE: Receive Award
The American Legion's Distinguished Service Medal
Sheraton Washington Hotel
Washington, D.C.
1 March 1988
25X1
25X1
25X1
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The American Legion National Adjutant, Robert W. Spanogle, has invited you
to receive the Legion's Distinguished Service Medal on Tuesday, 1 March
sometime between 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Sheraton Washington Hotel.
According to Mr. Spanogle, the actual presentation and remarks will take no
longer than 20 minutes. You could expect an audience of approximately 2,000
Legionnaires and Auxiliary members at The American Legion's Washington
Conference. Past National Commander James P. Dean would be making the
presentation and you could expect media coverage. Due to a conflict in your
schedule, you were unable to receive this award at their annual convention in
August.
You are scheduled for meetings in 6-10 March, but your departure
date is not firm yet. Since this wou on y take 20 minutes of your time, I
recommend that you try to accept the award on this occasion. As you remember,
lobbied for you to receive it. If you agree, attached is a letter
for your signature.
DCI/PAO/WMq
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Central Intelligence Agency
19 OCT 1987
Mr. Robert W. Spanogle
National Adjutant
The American Legion
National Headquarters
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
Dear Mr. Spanogle:
Many thanks for your invitation to receive The American Legion's
Distinguished Service Medal on Tuesday, March 1st during The American Legion's
Washington Conference at the Sheraton Washington Hotel. I am pleased to
accept the honor and look forward to meeting with your delegates. As you
know, I was disappointed that I was unable to attend your August Convention.
A member of my Public Affairs will contact you concerning the arrangements
for the presentation.
Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
/s! William H. Websoez
William H. Webster
Director of Central Intelligence
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American
Legion
OFFICE OF THE
NATIONAL ADJUTANT
Mr. William M. Baker
Director, Public Affairs
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Mr. Baker:
September 2, 1987
2-48-2
James P. Dean, Past National Commander of The American Legion, has asked me
to respond to your letter of August 12, 1987, concerning the presentation
of The American Legion's Distinguished Service Medal to the Honorable Judge
William H. Webster.
We fully realize the inability of Judge Webster to attend our 69th annual
National Convention that was held at San Antonio, Texas, because of
scheduling conflicts.
We would respectfully request that if Judge Webster be available on y-,/
March-1, 1988, during The American Legion's Washington Conference, the medal
could be presented during our Legislative Rally. There are nearly 2,000
Legionnaires and Auxiliary members in attendance during the rally.
Past National Commander James P. Dean would be making the presentation to
Judge Webster. If March 1, 1988, can be scheduled for Judge Webster
between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the Sheraton Washington Hotel, the actual
presentation and remarks taking no more than twenty (20) minutes, you may
contact me at the above address and phone.
ROBERT W. SPANOGLE
National Adjutant
cc: 0. B. Revell - Assistant Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Mylio S. Kraja - Executive Director
Washington Office
* NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS * P. 0. BOX 1055 * INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 *
[phone] *
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