October 15, 1984
I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 960, which confers citizenship posthumously on Cpl.
Wladyslaw Staniszeswki, a national of Great Britain, who was killed in action on July 7, 1967, in
the Republic of Vietnam while serving in the United States Marine Corps.
Corporal Staniszewski, who had immigrated to Brockton, MA, acted as an American when he
willingly served the United States in a place of peril. He made the supreme sacrifice under our
nation's colors and for our country. Today we simply confirm what Corporal Staniszewski earned
on July 7, 1967.
Corporal Staniszewski has focused the Nation's attention on a matter we have overlooked far too
long. At least 462 noncitizen servicemen from 64 countries sacrificed their lives in Vietnam.
Among these was Lance Cpl. Jose Francisco Jimeniz of Mexico, who was awarded the Medal of
Honor in upholding the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Each was truly an American, and
every one earned the right to be an American.
We cannot repay these men for their sacrifice, valor, or patriotism; but it is only right that we
bestow upon each of them our nation's greatest honor: American citizenship.
It is my intention to submit to the 99th Congress legislation which will provide United States
citizenship for all noncitizens killed in action in Vietnam while serving in the Armed Forces of the
United States.
Note: As enacted, H.R. 960 is Private Law 98 - 33, approved October 15.