1600Z 08 July 1967 transmitted message text from
Chief of Naval Operations to
Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe

FM CNO

TO CINCUSNAVEUR

INFO CMC
     USCINCEUR
     COMSIXTHFLT
     BUPERS

CONFIDENTIAL

ELIGIBILITY OF USS LIBERTY PERSONNEL FOR PURPLE HEART
AND OTHER AWARDS (U)

A. CINCUSNAVEUR 141737Z Jun 67
B. CNO 171611Z Jun 67
C. SECNAVINST P1650.1C

1. In response to Ref A, CINCUSNAVEUR was advised by Ref B to defer
initiating recommendations for awards pending Navy Department review
of the Court of Inquiry.

2. Recommendations for Purple Heart, and other awards as appropriate,
may now be initiated for LIBERTY's Navy and USMC personnel "who,
(in case of Purple Heart) while serving under competent authority
in any capacity with an armed force of the United States, has been or
may hereafter be killed or wounded as a result of an act of any hostile
foreign force." (Art. 231, sub-para. 12b(5) of Ref C).

3. With respect to civilians, while there is no legal bar, SECNAV
policy has been not to award military decorations. State Department
considering development of separate civilian medal for award under
circumstances
similar those prescribed for Purple Heart. Accordingly, suggest Purple
Heart recommendations for civilians be submitted with understanding award
of the State Department medal, if developed, could be considered in
event Purple Heart not approved.

4. CMC concurs.

GP-4

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