336. Memorandum From the Secretary of Defense (McNamara) to the President1
SUBJECT
- Military Command in South Vietnam
I have consulted with Secretary Rusk concerning necessary changes in the U.S. military command structure for Vietnam. We have agreed on the attached terms of reference to increase the authority of the military commander.2
I recommend that you designate the position of the senior U.S. Commander in Viet-Nam as one warranting the grade of General. I further recommend the assignment of Lt. General Harkins to this position and his recess appointment to the grade of General. Although General Harkins is 57 years old, he is physically active, has been trained as the Field Force Commander for the SEATO forces and is thoroughly familiar with Vietnam. The Joint Chiefs of Staff consider him an imaginative officer, fully qualified to fill what I consider to be the most difficult job in the U.S. Army. General Harkins’ picture and a brief biographical sketch are attached.3
May I have your approval of this nomination?
- Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, McNamara Files: FRC 71 A 3470, South Viet-Nam 1961-Taylor Recommendations, Command. Secret. At the bottom of the source text the President signed his name (under the place designated) “Approved.”↩
- Not found attached.↩
- Not found attached.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩