James Forrestal, BT 122361/69 - Radio message to the USS Orange announcing the death of President Franklin Roosevelt.
13 April 1945
I have the sad duty of announcing to the naval service the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the president of the United States, which occurred on 12 April. The world has lost a champion of democracy who can ill be spared by our country and allied cause. The Navy, which he so dearly loved, can pay no better tribute to his memory than to carry on in the tradition of which he was so proud.
Colors shall be displayed at half-mast for 30 days, beginning 0800 13 April west longitude date, insofar as war operations permit. Memorial services shall be held on the day of the funeral to be announced later at all yards and stations and on board all vessels of the Navy, war operations permitting. Wearing of mourning badges and firing of salutes will be dispensed with in view of war conditions.
James Forrestal BT 122361/69
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