William M. Lukash
Dr. William M. Lukash served as an Assistant White House Physician throughout the Nixon administration, having started in the same role under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. During the taping period, he was responsible for the health of the President, the First Family, and over 1,500 staff members in the White House and Executive Office Building complex. He traveled with President Nixon and also attended to his daughter, Tricia Nixon, when she had the measles. Shortly after Nixon's resignation in August 1974, President Gerald R. Ford promoted him to the position of chief White House physician.
When Lukash is on the tapes
What Lukash talks about on the tapes
George Wallace 5Presidential health 4Assassination attempt 3Presidential communication 2Nixon administration 2White House strategy 1White House staff 1Watergate 1Vietnam War 1Scheduling 1Public relations 1Presidential security 1
Conversations (12)
President Nixon consulted with his personal physician, Dr. William M. Lukash, in a brief telephone exchange. The conversation focused on the President’s health and medical well-being. Due to the presence of withdrawn material and limited transcript availability, specific details regarding any prescribed medical action items remain restricted.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal physician, Dr. William M. Lukash, for a brief one-minute session in the Oval Office. Due to the withdrawal of the recorded segment as a personal returnable item, the specific substance of their medical consultation remains unavailable for public review. The meeting reflects routine executive health oversight during the Nixon administration.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler to review the success of his recent televised session with the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) and coordinate upcoming scheduling matters. They discussed the positive impact of his performance, specifically his handling of sensitive topics like J. Edgar Hoover and foreign policy, while also finalizing plans for visits from agricultural editors, the Jaycees, and various congressional loyalists. Additionally, the President decided to proceed with a meeting with the Building Trades Council executive committee, despite internal warnings regarding the group's opposition to his administration, as part of an effort to demonstrate leadership.
President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman and White House physician Dr. William M. Lukash to address personal health concerns. The discussion focused on the President's physical well-being and necessary medical attention. Due to the sensitive nature of the information, the specific details of the medical assessment remain restricted as a personal returnable item.
President Nixon received a medical update from Dr. William Lukash regarding George C. Wallace's condition following an assassination attempt. Dr. Lukash detailed the three bullet wounds, the successful abdominal surgery, and the critical concern about potential paralysis from a bullet near the spine, with a neurosurgeon set to evaluate the situation. A decision on further surgery or observation for paralysis would be made after a spinal tap and further X-rays, with an update expected within the hour.
President Nixon consulted with his personal physician, Dr. William M. Lukash, regarding the security measures and protective details surrounding an unnamed individual facing a specific threat. The brief exchange reflects the President’s concern for the adequacy of the protection provided and his justification for actions taken to address the situation. No specific policy decisions were finalized, but the dialogue emphasizes the President's direct involvement in overseeing high-stakes security protocols.
President Nixon spoke with Dr. William Lukash by telephone to receive an update on George C. Wallace's condition following surgery for a gunshot wound, including the possibility of paralysis and a lengthy recovery that would prevent campaigning. Nixon also inquired about Manolo Sanchez's recovery and arranged for him to recuperate at Key Biscayne, and discussed the transfer of an injured Secret Service agent to Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. Nixon instructed Lukash to inform Mrs. Wallace that the President had offered the presidential suite at Bethesda Naval Hospital for her husband's care.
President Nixon and General Alexander Haig discussed the ongoing Vietnam War, emphasizing the success of current U.S. military operations, including air strikes and the use of anti-tank weapons against North Vietnamese forces. Nixon reviewed the positive psychological and strategic impact of his recent blockade speech on domestic opinion and international relations with the Soviet Union and China. The President also instructed Haig to pressure General Abrams to improve the strategic deployment of tanks, citing historical military tactics. Additionally, Nixon received a brief update on the condition of George Wallace following an assassination attempt and directed staff to offer him the use of the presidential suite during his recovery.
President Nixon consulted with his physician, Dr. William M. Lukash, regarding the medical prognosis of Governor George Wallace following his recent assassination attempt. Dr. Lukash advised that there was a high likelihood of paralysis, noting the unpredictability of Wallace's recovery. Nixon concluded the brief call by arranging to contact the governor later that day through the White House operator.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss a diverse range of administrative, political, and cultural issues, including the medical condition of George Wallace and U.S. economic policy. The conversation included consultations with Dr. William M. Lukash regarding health reports and discussions with staff regarding the political philosophy of Irving Kristol and the ideological leanings of the White House staff. Additionally, they reviewed social concerns such as perceived moral permissiveness in media and analyzed the documentation of the President’s recent foreign policy meetings.
President Nixon consulted his physician, William M. Lukash, to receive a medical update on George C. Wallace following his recent assassination attempt. Lukash reported that while Wallace’s morale was improving and he was gaining weight, his paralysis appeared to be permanent and he continued to struggle with a localized infection. The President concluded the call by instructing Lukash to inform the Wallace family that he had inquired about the governor’s condition and expressed his support.
President Nixon met with his doctors to discuss his ongoing health issues, specifically viral pneumonia, and the logistics of managing his public schedule and medical testing. Following these medical consultations, he met with Alexander Haig to review the administration's strategy regarding the Watergate investigation and the Ervin Committee hearings. Nixon expressed determination to maintain a firm stance against the committee's subpoenas, while the participants analyzed the testimony of key figures such as John Mitchell and John Dean. The meeting concluded with Nixon reaffirming his resolve to protect the presidency from perceived partisan attacks.