This document was transcribed with the assistance of Nick Miller. An index of military and diplomatic abbreviations referenced in this document can be accessed here.
Z 210221Z NOV 78
FM JCS WASHINGTON DC//CJCS//
TO RULPALJ/USCINCSO QUARRY HEIGHTS CZ
[Remainder of recipients appear in pdf.]
SUBJ: Execute order return of deceased Americans from Guyana (U)
Ref: A. DOS 2229232 NOV 7 (Alert Order)
B. USINOST 201745Z Nov 78 (Concept of Operations)
C. Embassy Georgetown 221755Z Nov 78 (NOTAL)
- This is an execute order by authority and direction of the Secretary of Defense.
- Situation preliminary reports indicate that as many as 422 members of the Jonestown Peoples Temple community may be dead. Requiring identification and disposition.
- Mission: Return deceased Americans to the United States
- Execution
a. Course of action: activate JTF and deploy forces to Guyana to assume custody of deceased and return remains to Dover AFB. Minimize number of US personnel in task force elements in Guyana to approximately 250. Authority granted to modify concept of operations (USCINCSO 201745Z NOV 78) if utilization of Matthews Ridge airfield is feasible to include C-130 aircraft (illegible)
b. Task force elements
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- OTF Headquarters (USCINSCO) (line strike through it)
- Grave registration teams (USCINCRED)
- Medevac helicopter platoon minus (4 UN 1) * POB was inserted above UN (UNSCINCRED)
- Support elements as required (USCINSCO) (line strike through it)
- Medical clearing platoon (USCINCRED)
- 3 HH-53 helicopter (Eglin AFB) (OSAF)
- Joint communications support elements (JOSE) (USCINCRED) coordinating instructions
- Time for execution ASAP
- Estimated duration of the operation: approximately one week
- Operational constraints: Night operations at Georgetown require prior approval by GOG
- Dirlauth ALCON: Coordinate evacuation of bodies and mortuary services with Air Force casualty OPS Center Randolph AFB TX AUTOVON 487-6455
- Coordinate deployment departure time/place with State representative Mr. Calderhead; commercial 632-9380 for 3-6 State Personnel to accompany deploying units:
- Carrying of weapons and/or personnel for offensive
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Purpose is not authorized. Individual side arms to include the m-16 rifle for protection of personnel may be carried, aircraft armament is not authorized by GOG:
- Prepositioning of crews/equipment to support HH-53 deployment authorized:
- Administration and logistics
- a. Movement priority 182 assigned:
- b. State Dept will reimburse DOD for operating costs, all (illegible) maintain expenditure accounting. Request cost estimate for airlift and operations be forwarded to JSC ASAP
- c. PA guidance: See Alert Orders
- Command and Signal
- a. USCINCSO supports commander: USCINCRED and CINCMAC supporting commanders: CSAF provide 3 HH-53 aircraft to USCINCSO, CHOP as mutually agreed:
- b. OTF Commander make direct liaison and coordinate operations with Ambassador Georgetown:
- c. Signal: USCINCSO planning should include establishing the following communication nets to the NMCC from USCINSCO/JTF Command Center:
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- Secure voice command net:
- Secure voice reporting net:
- Secure Teletype net;
GDS 84
BT
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