Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
An Innocent Man
Artifact ID1985.32031.01
Object Type
Poem
Maker
Carol Armour
(Warner Robins, GA)
Gifter
Carol Armour
Medium
Paper, Ink
Dimensions17 × 13 in. (43.2 × 33 cm)
Physical DescriptionA handwritten poem in red and blue ink calligraphy on off-white parchment paper, titled “An Innocent Man” by Carol Armour in memory of Robert Stethem. There are images of Robert Stethem in uniform and of sailors folding the casket flag at his funeral. The poem is in a brown wooden frame and is inscribed on the back.Historical NoteRobert Stethem (1961-1985) was a 23-year-old US Navy Seabee diver who was murdered on June 15, 1985 in Beirut, Lebanon by Hezbollah terrorists during the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. He was singled out as a US Sailor and was beaten by the terrorists in an attempt to have their demands met. Stethem had been a Steelworker Second Class (SW2), but was posthumously promoted to Master Chief Constructionman (CUCM) as well as awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Prisoner of War Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. The USS Stethem (DDG-63), which was named after him, was commissioned October 21, 1995.
His Bronze Star Citation reads:
For heroic achievement on 14 June 1985 while assigned to Detachment November Mike ‘85 of Underwater Construction Team One deployed to the Naval Communication Station, Nea Makri, Greece. Petty Officer Stethem displayed exceptional valor and professional integrity while a hostage of militant Shi'ite hijackers of Trans World Airlines Flight 847 at Athens International Airport, Algiers, Algeria and at Beirut, Lebanon. Exhibiting physical, moral, and emotional courage beyond extraordinary limits, Petty Officer Stethem endured a senseless and brutal beating at the hands of his fanatical captors. He drew upon an unwavering inner strength and absorbed the punishment. The hijackers were infuriated by his refusal to succumb, a symbol to them of the strength of the United States of America; and in their cowardly desperation, shot him to death. Petty Officer Stethem’s courage, steadfast determination, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Carol Armour
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related LinksFBI History: Hijacking of TWA Flight 847
Monday Minute: TWA Hijacking