Conversation 508-009

TapeTape 508StartWednesday, June 2, 1971 at 8:55 AMEndWednesday, June 2, 1971 at 9:20 AMTape start time00:16:39Tape end time00:18:40ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President)Recording deviceOval Office

President Nixon discusses a personnel matter regarding a formal letter of recommendation for an individual, identified as 'Mel.' He expresses high praise for the individual's performance over the previous two and a half years and explicitly requests a positive addition to their official employment record. The discussion reflects the President's personal interest in ensuring this associate receives formal recognition and long-term professional credit.

Personnel managementLetters of recommendationPerformance reviewsStaff recognitionExecutive administration

On June 2, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:55 am and 9:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 508-009 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 508-009

Date: June 2, 1971
Time: Unknown between 8:55 am and 9:20 am
Location: Oval Office

The President dictated a note to Melvin R. Laird

     Attachment to formal letter
          -Commendation for unknown person

The President dictated a letter to Laird

     US military
         -Ceremonial duties
                 -President’s view

[This conversation continues as Conversation No. 508-11]




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               White House Tapes of the Nixon Administration, 1971-1973
       Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, NARA Online Public Access Catalog Identifier: 597542

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Dear Mel, I am enclosing a formal letter.
Do you have someone to... do a job?
And I want something good for their record.
During the past two and a half years, I'm honestly impressed.
I'm very proud.
And I'll follow in the next eight years.