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Conversation 848-002

TapeTape 848StartMonday, February 5, 1973 at 8:20 AMEndMonday, February 5, 1973 at 9:03 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Bull, Stephen B.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed logistical arrangements for honoring the late Colonel William B. Nolde, the last American combat casualty of the Vietnam War. They weighed the options of the President personally attending the funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery versus sending General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. as a representative to meet the family at the White House. The discussion also addressed the administration's efforts to facilitate a Washington tour for the Nolde family, coordinated in part by Senator Robert P. Griffin.

William B. NoldeVietnam WarFuneral protocolsAlexander HaigWhite House logisticsRobert P. Griffin
AudioNARA Description

On February 5, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:20 am and 9:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 848-002 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 848-2

Date: February 5, 1973
Time: Unknown between 8:20 am and 9:03 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Stephen B. Bull.

       President's attendance at funeral of Col. William B. Nolde
              -H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman
              -Meeting with family
              -Funeral service
                       -Arlington cemetery
                       -Ceremonies
                       -Press
                       -The President's representative
                              -Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
                       -Col. Nolde's last wish
                                               -2-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                        (rev. Oct.-09)
                                                             Conversation No. 848-2 (cont’d)

                            -Tour of Washington for family
                            -Robert P. Griffin
                     -Meeting with President
                            -Location
                            -Timing

Bull left at an unknown time before 9:03 am.
Transcript (AI-Generated)

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

So in regards to the school, currently we have two options that exist.
We have a final check with Bob Hall, who's currently in here.
And he feels that either one really, either have the family come over here, or as a widow, if I'm sure, in 1912, either have them come over here, or the last minute you go over to the funeral, unannounced, to the burial services.
It's over a part of the cemetery.
It's called the Golden Chapel, which is the church at the edge of the cemetery.
They have a funeral mass there.
It's probably going to take 15 or 20 minutes.
Yes, sir.
And then it's a 10-minute procession down to the grave site.
The burial site is the last one.
You'll probably build them down and be pressed there because it's the last part of the time where it's a ceasefire.
The other option would be just send their representative, General Haig, with a search letter and have him go over here to your office.
One of the things Colonel Nolan wanted to do was, before he died, was to take the family to Washington and see all the various sites.
We're arranging for that now quickly.
Senator Griffin had him up at the Capitol to take care of the White House.
One of the staff people really is, I think I have him here, Lawrence.
Okay, thank you.
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