TLS signed “Jerry Ford,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, Congress of the United States House of Representatives letterhead, January 30, 1962. Ford responds to the widow of a serviceman, in part: “I certainly can understand the considerable thought which you have given to the present pension and compensation system handled by the Veterans Administration. I am sure the air accident of a few months ago re-emphasized all this to you and brought back memories of your experience with Michael…Under the present law the wife and children of servicemen who lose their lives while in the armed forces are pretty well taken care of. I understand that for those men killed in the plane crash the wife will obtain $112 a month plus 12% of the serviceman’s base pay for the remainder of her life or until she remarries. If there are children in the family they will pay an amount nearly equal this for a considerable period of time. When we come to parents of young servicemen…the story is different, as you know. Parents are subject to certain provisions providing for a sliding scale income limitation…I am certain that should we get into another world-wide conflict or a Korea-type engagement there would be a strong effort made to alter the present law. However…there is little, if any, likelihood that the Committee would alter its present position.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. RR Auction COA.
