I have addressed this letter to reach you after all the formalities of your separation from active service are completed. I have done so because, without formality, but as clearly as I know how to say it, I want the Navy's pride in you, which it is my privilege to express, to reach into your civil life and remain with you always.

     You have served in the greatest Navy in the world.

     It crushed two enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrenders only four months apart.

     It brought our land-based airpower within bombing range of the enemy, and set our ground armies on the beachheads of final victory.

     It performed the multitude of tasks necessary to support these military operations.

     No other Navy at any time has done so much. For your part in these achievements you deserve to be proud as long as you live. The Nation which you served at a time of crisis will remember you with gratitude.

     The best wishes of the Navy go with you into your future life. Good Luck!

        Sincerely Yours,


        [sig]

         James Forrestal

Lieut. (jg) Marvin Edward Metzler
3046 Carmen Avenue
Fresno, California

Thank you for your letter to President Bush concerning your Naval Chart from World War II. I am answering on behalf of the President.

I understand that you have been contacted by a member of my staff, Lieutenant Bill Warnock, and he is coordinating with you for additional charts. One of the copies of your chart has been forwarded to the White House for their review.

I also too the liberty of showing your chart to the Secretary of the Navy, who was very interested in your research. He commented on the extraordinary detail and the fine workmanship that went into making this chart.

On behalf of the President and the Secretary of the Navy, I would like to thank you for this gift.

Sincerely,
Matthew E. Schellhorn
Director, White House Liaison Office
Office of the Secretary of the Navy