Ford, Gerald R., thirty-eighth President

Typed letter signed ("Jerry Ford"), 1 page (8 5/8 x 6 1/2 in.; 220 x 165 mm, sight) on The White House letterhead, Washington, 21 May 1975, to Senator Jennings Randolph from West Virginia, thanking Jennings for his support of Ford's decisive action in retaking the American merchant ship Mayaguez after it had been seized in international waters by the Khmer Rouge, 12 May 1975: "In looking through the Congressional Record of May 15, I note that you had issued your statements on May 13 and May 14 dealing with the SS MAYAGUEZ seizure. As you know, we attempted to achieve the return of the ship and its crew through diplomatic channels. When no response came from the new Communist Government in Phnom Penh, I found it necessary to take strong military action. Your second statement in support of that action is deeply appreciated." Matted, framed, and glazed with a photographic portrait of Ford.