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April 18, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Saturday, April 18, 1970, pulls together various records created by the federal government and links to additional resources which can provide context about the events of the day.

Previous Date: Friday, April 17, 1970

Next Date: Sunday, April 19, 1970

Schedule and Public Documents

  • The Daily Diary files represent a consolidated record of the President's activities. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    The President's day began at The White House - Washington, D. C.

  • The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents made available transcripts of the President's news conferences; messages to Congress; public speeches, remarks, and statements; and other Presidential materials released by the White House.

    Awards and Citations

    • Apollo 13 (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 548, April 18, 1970)
      The President's Remarks Upon Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Apollo Mission Operations Team in Houston.
    • Apollo 13 (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 549, April 18, 1970)
      Remarks of the President and Capt. James A. Lovell, Jr., USN, Upon Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Apollo 13 Astronauts in Honolulu.

    Checklist of White House Press Releases

    The releases listed below, made public by the Office of the White House Press Secretary during the period covered by this issue, are not included in the issue.

    • Text of the Presidential Medal of Freedom citation awarded to the Apollo Mission Operations Team.
    • Text of the Presidential Medal of Freedom citation awarded to the Apollo 13 astronauts.

  • Each Public Papers of the Presidents volume contains the papers and speeches of the President of the United States that were issued by the White House Office of the Press Secretary during the time period specified by the volume. The material is presented in chronological order, and the dates shown in the headings are the dates of the documents or events. In instances when the release date differs from the date of the document itself, that fact is shown in the text note.

    To ensure accuracy, remarks have been checked against audio recordings (when available) and signed documents have been checked against the original, unless otherwise noted. Editors have provided text notes and cross references for purposes of identification or clarity.

  • The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other Presidential documents.

Archival Holdings

  • The H. R. Haldeman Diaries consists of seven handwritten diaries, 36 dictated diaries recorded as sound recordings, and two handwritten audio cassette tape subject logs. The diaries and logs reflect H. R. Haldeman’s candid personal record and reflections on events, issues, and people encountered during his service in the Nixon White House. As administrative assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, Haldeman attended and participated in public events and private meetings covering the entire scope of issues in which the Nixon White House engaged in during the years 1969-1973. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

  • The National Archives Catalog is the online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records. It is the main way of describing our holdings and also provides access to electronic records and digitized versions of our holdings. 

    The Catalog searches across multiple National Archives resources at once, including archival descriptions, digitized and electronic records, authority records, and web pages from Archives.gov and the Presidential Libraries. The Catalog also allows users to contribute to digitized historical records through tagging and transcription.

    Nixon Library Holdings

    All National Archives Units

National Security Documents

  • The President's Daily Brief is the primary vehicle for summarizing the day-to-day sensitive intelligence and analysis, as well as late-breaking reports, for the White House on current and future national security issues. Read "The President's Daily Brief: Delivering Intelligence to Nixon and Ford" to learn more.

  • The Foreign Relations of the United States series presents the official documentary historical record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and significant diplomatic activity. Visit the State Department website for more information.

    Vol. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

    UN Finances and Reduction of the U.S. Assessment

    Vol. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 238. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, April 18, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 506, Country Files, Far East, Cambodia, Vol. III, 10 April 1970–23 April 1970. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Holdridge sent this memorandum to Kissinger on April 21 and Kissinger initialed his approval. (Covering memorandum from Holdridge to Kissinger, April 21; ibid.)

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China, 1970

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    Round Two at Vienna, April 18-August 13, 1970

    Vol. XXXIX, European Security

    "Bureaucratic Steamroller," January 1969-November 1970

  • The Kissinger telephone conversation transcripts consist of approximately 20,000 pages of transcripts of Kissinger’s telephone conversations during his tenure as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (1969-1974) and Secretary of State (1973-1974) during the administration of President Richard Nixon. Visit the finding aid for more information.

    Digitized versions of many of these transcripts can be found on the Yale University Library website.

Audiovisual Holdings

  • The White House Photo Office collection consists of photographic coverage of President Richard Nixon meeting with prominent social, political, and cultural personalities; speaking engagements and news conferences of the President and various high-ranking members of the White House staff and Cabinet; Presidential domestic and foreign travel, including Presidential vacations; social events and entertainment involving the First Family, including entertainers present; official portraits of the President, First Family, and high-ranking members of the Nixon administration; the 1969 and 1973 Inaugurals; the President’s 1972 Presidential election campaign appearances (including speeches) and other official activities of the White House staff and the President’s Cabinet from January 20, 1969 until August 9, 1974 at the White House and the Old Executive Office Building; other locations in Washington, DC, such as The Mall; and the Presidential retreats in Camp David, Maryland, Key Biscayne, Florida, and San Clemente, California. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    Roll WHPO-3371 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3371-02A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials standing at attention with the Apollo 13 astronauts Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module Pilot John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Fred W. Haise as Lunar Module pilot, wearing their new Medals of Freedom, during a ceremony at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. Crowd and harbor are visible in the background. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3371-02A-10A, President Nixon awards the Medal of Freedom to the Apollo 13 astronauts, Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module Pilot John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Fred W. Haise as Lunar Module pilot, in a ceremony at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3371-04A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials standing with the Apollo 13 astronauts Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module Pilot John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Fred W. Haise as Lunar Module pilot, wearing their new Medals of Freedom, during a ceremony at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. Crowd and harbor are visible in the background. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3371-09A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, waving to the crowd at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii after awarding the Apollo 13 astronauts their new Medals of Freedom. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-3372 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3372-02A-36A, President Nixon presenting Apollo XIII (Apollo 13) astronauts James A. Lovell with John L. "Jack" Swigert as Command Module pilot and Fred W. Haise as Lunar Module pilot, with the "Medal of Freedom.". 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise Jr. and Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3372-19A, President Nixon speaking at the podium, while Pat Nixon and officials listen with the Apollo 13 astronauts (Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module Pilot John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Fred W. Haise as Lunar Module pilot) before he awards them their Presidential Medals of Freedom. Shown during a ceremony at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. Crowd and harbor are visible in the background. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise Jr. and Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3372-26, President Nixon presenting Presidential Medals of Freedom awards to the Apollo 13 astronauts James A. Lovell, John L. "Jack" Swigert,]and Fred W. Haise. Many in the crowd are taking photos with Instamatic type cameras. Crowd and harbor are visible in the background. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise Jr. and Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.

    Roll WHPO-3373 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3373-02A-23A, President Nixon presenting Apollo 13 astronauts James A. Lovell with Presidential Medals of Freedom. Pictured are: John L. "Jack" Swigert Command Module pilot, Fred W. Haise Lunar Module pilot with the "Medal of Freedom.". 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3373-23A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials standing at attention with the Apollo 13 astronauts wearing their new Medals of Freedom. Pictured are: Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module Pilot John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Fred W. Haise as Lunar Module pilot, during a ceremony at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. Crowd and harbor are visible in the background. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.

    Roll WHPO-3374 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3374-04-15, President Nixon awarding the "Medal of Freedom" to the Apollo 13 ground crew represented by Dr. Sigurd Sjoberg. 4/18/1970, Houston, TX Ellington AFB. President Nixon, Dr. Sigurd Sjoberg, Mrs. Lovell, Mrs. Haise, Dr. and Mrs. John Swigert, Thomas Paine, NASA Administrator.

    Roll WHPO-3375 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3375-02A-07A, President Nixon awarding the "Medal of Freedom" to the Apollo 13 ground crew represented by Dr. Sigurd Sjoberg. 4/18/1970, Houston, TX Ellington AFB. President Nixon, Dr. Sigurd Sjoberg, Mrs. Lovell, Mrs. Haise, Dr. and Mrs. John Swigert, Thomas Paine, NASA Administrator.

    Roll WHPO-3376 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3376-02A-36A, President Nixon at NASA headquarters on the speakers stand to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Apollo 13 ground crew which Dr. Sigurd A. Sjorborg accepted on behalf of the ground crew members. 4/18/1970, Houston, TX Ellington AFB. President Nixon, Dr. Sigurd Sjoberg, Thomas O. Paine, Administrator, NASA. Mrs. James A. Lovell, Jr., and Family. Mrs. Fred W; Haise, Jr., and Family. Dr. and Mrs. John L. Swigert, Sr.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3376-23A, The Apollo 13 ground crew stand with President Nixon and Dr. Sigurd Sjoberg, during a ceremony awarding them the Medal of Freedom. A lunar module is on display behind them. 4/18/1970, Houston, TX Ellington AFB. President Nixon, Dr. Sigurd Sjoberg, Thomas Paine, NASA Administrator; possibly Mrs. Lovell, Mrs. Haise, Dr. and Mrs. John Swigert.

    Roll WHPO-3384 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3384-00A-22A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon leaving Hawaii after greeting Apollo XIII (Apollo 13) astronauts. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Hickam AFB, HI. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3384-00A-22A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon leaving Hawaii after greeting Apollo XIII (Apollo 13) astronauts. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Hickam AFB, HI. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3384-06A, President Nixon and Apollo XIII (Apollo 13) astronauts stand at attention during their Medal of Freedom awards ceremony. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Hickam AFB, HI. President Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3384-06A, President Nixon and Apollo XIII (Apollo 13) astronauts stand at attention during their Medal of Freedom awards ceremony. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Hickam AFB, HI. President Nixon, James A. Lovell, Mrs. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, Mrs. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.

    Roll WHPO-3385 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3385-15A, President Nixon wearing many color leis, greets Navy officials before leaving Hawaii after the Apollo XIII (Apollo 13) astronauts Medal of Freedom awards ceremony. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Hickam AFB, HI. President Nixon, unidentified Navy officials.

    Roll WHPO-3386 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3386-23, President Nixon speaking at the podium, while Pat Nixon and officials listen with the Apollo 13 astronauts before he awards them their Presidential Medals of Freedom. Pictured are: Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module Pilot, John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Fred W. Haise, Lunar Module pilot, during a ceremony at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. Crowd and harbor are visible in the background. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, James A. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3386-28, President Nixon standing at attention with the Apollo 13 astronauts wearing their new Medals of Freedom. Pictured are: Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module Pilot John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Fred W. Haise, Lunar Module pilot, during a ceremony at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. 4/18/1970, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu International Airport. President Nixon, James A. Lovell, Fred W. Haise, John L. "Jack" Swigert.

  • The White House Communications Agency Sound Recordings Collection contains public statements that took place between 1969 and 1974. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-700419
      Remarks by President Nixon at a Medal of Freedom presentation for the Apollo 13 crew at NASA headquarters in Houston with additional remarks by Dr. Thomas Paine. (4/18/1970, Houston, Texas)

      Runtime: 0:16:14

      Keywords: NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, space program, astronauts, Apollo 13

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by JAD (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-700420
      Remarks by President Nixon upon arrival at Hickam Air Force Base and presentation of Medal of Freedom to Apollo 13 astronauts. (4/18/1970, Pearl Harbor, and Honolulu, Hawaii)

      Runtime: 0:18:26

      Keywords: NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, space program, astronauts

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by WHCA

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original. Technical notes: 20 minutes and 39 seconds of silence at end of recording removed from access copies.

  • The White House Communications Agency Videotape Collection contains “off-the-air” recordings of televised programs produced between 1968 and 1974. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    • WHCA-3682
      President Nixon presents awards to Houston AND Pres. Nixon gives medals to Astronauts in Honolulu. Awards ceremonies, Air Force One landing at Honolulu, Hawaii airport Edward P. Morgan, ABC News Correspondent; Gil Noble, ABC news reporter, Song "End of Silence" by Elaine Brown..
      ABC
      Runtime: 01:05:12
    • WHCA-3690
      Weekly News Summary.
      All networks
      Runtime: 01:03:51

      1. President Nixon at Houston, Texas to award medal to NASA ground crew. Time Code Start: 00:40. Keywords: NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, space program, astronauts, Presidents, awards, medals, Apollo 13. Network: CBS.

      2. Entertainer Johnny Cash at the White House; Cash interview with Dan Rather from 00:04:00-00:05:30; Cash's comments on President Nixon's song request list. Time Code Start: 02:40. Keywords: White House, entertainment, entertainers, celebrities, music, performance, singers, Country Western Music, Country music, American popular music. Network: CBS.

      3. President Nixon at Houston, Texas to award medal to NASA ground crew (network transmission problem). Time Code Start: 05:53. Keywords: NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, space program, astronauts, Presidents, awards, medals, Apollo 13. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)