2057 Flying Hills Lane
El Cajon, Calif. 92020

November 27, 1973

Mr. John F. Blake
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505

Dear Mr. Blake:

I am writing to you personally and directly at the suggestion of my old friend and new neighbor, Don Mansfield.

As the records will show, I retired in the spring of 1971 after 26 years of Federal service, 27 of which were with the Agency and predecessor organizations. At the time of my retirement, I was told that my medals, presented at my farewell, and certain other personal items attesting to my length of service and dedication to duty, would be sent to me after I submitted to take these items with me due to certain cover considerations which I did not have, never been quite clear to me. I was told informally in the division that perhaps after a year the items would be forwarded to me. It will soon be three years and I have not yet received them.

I am sure I don’t need to tell you how much these items mean to me and what they will mean to my sons in later years. Therefore I would appreciate hearing from you as to the status of these items. I am sure there are many other fellows in the same boat.

Anxiously awaiting your reply, I am

Sincerely,

[Handwritten Signature]
James A. Noel