Tokens and Treasures

	Gerald R. Ford Library		Gerald R. Ford Republican 38th President, 1974-77
	Silver Star Medal of James Barnett and Purple Heart Medal of Harry Brohen Gifts of Mr. Barnett and Mr. Brohen Bronze, silver, silk, Silver Star: 2 1/8 x 1 1/2 inches; Purple Heart: 3 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches Click to see high-resolution version (JPEG)		In September 1974 President Ford offered amnesty to Vietnam military deserters and "draft dodgers" who had fled the country. Ford hoped that the amnesty would finally heal the deep national divisions the war had caused. Many who had served in Vietnam, or who had lost loved ones there, were outraged. Hundreds of veterans sent President Ford medals earned in Vietnam and previous wars as gifts of protest.
	*President Gerald R. Ford,* by Michael Manning, Yardley, Pennsylvania, 1976 Gift of Mr. Manning Painted Pennsylvania river stone, 19 x 9 x 10 inches Click to see high-resolution version (JPEG)		Weighing nearly 70 pounds, this caricature includes symbols and motifs particular to President Ford.
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