Records Pertaining to the Use of Marijuana by Soldiers during the Vietnam War

Dear Jordan Lassiter:

Thank you for submitting your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) via email to
foia@nara.gov. We received your request on May 24, 2023. Your request
concerns the reported use of marijuana by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam
War, with particular emphasis on the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry
on Firebase Aires in Vietnam.

Our office handles FOIA and Privacy Act requests for NARA’s operational records
(records created by this agency). Because your FOIA request is for records
that may be archival records (records created by or originated in a
different agency but that may have been transferred to the legal custody of
NARA), we are forwarding it by this email to our Office of Research
Services, Textual Reference (RR2RR) staff who handle FOIA requests for
textual archival records.

That office will assign your request a tracking number and respond directly
to you. In the future, if you need to follow up with that office directly,
please contact them at the address below, or electronically via email
(email is preferred).

National Archives and Records Administration
Research Services, Textual Reference Branch (RR2RR)
8601 Adelphi Road, Room 2400
College Park, MD 20740

Phone: 301-837-3091
Fax: 301-837-1752
Email: archives2reference@nara.gov

For your reference, a copy of your request is below.

Please visit our website at www.archives.gov/foia for further information
about making a FOIA request to NARA. On our main website,
www.archives.gov, you
can learn more about the resources we offer to the public, and you can
access our online catalog.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and pursuant to guidance received from the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA had adjusted its normal
operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work
while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of
our staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may
experience a delay in receiving a substantive response to your FOIA
request. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your
understanding and patience.

Sincerely,
Ashley A. Bryan
Government Information Specialist
Office of General Counsel (NGC)
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland, 20740-6001
301-837-3642

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <requests@muckrock.com>
Date: Wed, May 24, 2023 at 9:03 PM
Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request: Records Pertaining to the Use
of Marijuana by Soldiers during the Vietnam War
To: <foia@nara.gov>

Nat'l Archives & Records Admin
FOIA Office
Room 3110
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740

May 24, 2023

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following
records:

Date: May 18, 2023

National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001

Attn: FOIA Officer

Subject: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request – Records Pertaining to
the Use of Marijuana by Soldiers during the Vietnam War

Dear FOIA Officer,

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, I
hereby request access to and copies of all records held by the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA) pertaining to the reported use
of marijuana by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, with particular
emphasis on the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires in
Vietnam.

During the Vietnam War, it was widely reported that some U.S. soldiers used
marijuana and other drugs. The use of these substances was often depicted
as a form of self-medication to cope with the stress of warfare, and/or as
a form of dissent or rebellion against the military hierarchy and the war
itself. A notable example is Medal of Honor recipient Peter Lemon, who was
reportedly under the influence of marijuana during the heroic actions that
earned him the award.

For the purpose of this request, the records I seek include, but are not
limited to:

Official military reports, memos, studies, or investigations concerning the
use of marijuana by soldiers during the Vietnam War, particularly those in
the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires.
Medical and psychiatric evaluations or reports that discuss the impact of
marijuana use on soldiers' performance and health, specifically pertaining
to the aforementioned units.
Military policy documents, briefings, or instructions concerning drug use,
particularly marijuana, among soldiers in these units.
Any documents relating to the case of Peter Lemon or any other specific
instances of marijuana use by soldiers in these units that resulted in
military or legal consequences.
Visual records, including but not limited to photographs and video
recordings that provide evidential or illustrative material related to the
use of marijuana by soldiers during the Vietnam War, especially concerning
the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires.
Personal accounts, diaries, letters, or oral histories related to soldiers'
experiences with marijuana during this period from members of these
specific units.
Should any portion of the requested records be deemed exempt from
disclosure, I request the release of any reasonably segregable non-exempt
portions in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552(b). If an entire document is
exempt, I request a justification, citing specific FOIA exemptions, and
provision of an exemption log as per Vaughn v. Rosen, 484 F.2d 820 (D.C.
Cir. 1973).

Please note your obligation under the law not to destroy any records
potentially responsive to this request. Any withholding, redaction, or
destruction of responsive records without proper justification constitutes
a violation of the FOIA and is subject to litigation, as confirmed in
Kissinger v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 445 U.S. 136,
150 (1980).

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and
this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform
me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer
the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or
CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I
look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business
days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jordan Lassiter

View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

If prompted for a passcode, please enter:
••••••••

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 146396
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is
being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share,
and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed
(i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the
department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.

June 6, 2023

MuckRock News

DEPT MR 146396

263 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02115

ATTN: Jordan Lassiter

Dear Mr. Lassiter:

This regards your May 18, 2023, Freedom of Information Act request
(#23-44474), about the following records:

Official military reports, memos, studies, or investigations concerning the
use of marijuana by soldiers during the Vietnam War, particularly those in
the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires.

Medical and psychiatric evaluations or reports that discuss the impact of
marijuana use on soldiers' performance and health, specifically pertaining
to the aforementioned units.

Military policy documents, briefings, or instructions concerning drug use,
particularly marijuana, among soldiers in these units.

Any documents relating to the case of Peter Lemon or any other specific
instances of marijuana use by soldiers in these units that resulted in
military or legal consequences.

Visual records, including but not limited to photographs and video
recordings that provide evidential or illustrative material related to the
use of marijuana by soldiers during the Vietnam War, especially concerning
the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires.

Personal accounts, diaries, letters, or oral histories related to soldiers'
experiences with marijuana during this period from members of these
specific units.

It was received in our office on May 26, 2023.

The Textual Reference Archives II Branch (RR2R) has custody of the Records
of the United States Forces in Southeast Asia, 1950-1975 (Record Group 472)
for U.S. Army units. These records consist mostly of unit organizational
histories, after action reports, unit daily staff journals, and general
orders. The files are arranged hierarchically by unit. They do not include
personnel or medical information. We do not have a name index to these
records.

We located unit records for the 1st Cavalry Division among the Records of
United States Forces in Southeast Asia, 1950 – 1975 (Record Group 472). A
review of the finding aids for the division found one series potentially
containing records pertinent to your request. The records consist of 2
boxes (Boxes 4 -5) of Drug and Amnesty Reports, 1965 – 1971 (P Entry 191)
for the Office of the Chief of Staff (G-1), 1st Cavalry Division. Each box
contains approximately 500 – 1,000 pages of documents.

We found records for three units identified as the 12th Cavalry attached to
the 1st Cavalry Division. The records (kept among the series Infantry Unit
Records, 1965 – 1973, also in RG 472) are as follows:

1. 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry (Boxes 324 – 338)

2. 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry (Boxes 339 – 353)

3. Troop A, 4th Squadron, 12th Cavalry (Boxes 354 – 355)

Attached are box lists for each unit. Each box contains approximately 1,200
pages of documents. There are hundreds of additional boxes for the 1st
Cavalry Division at the divisional level, and units that were attached to
the division. The above cited entry was the only identifiable series that
appeared to contain records of interest. Onsite research here at Archives
II will be required to determine if any additional information will be
found within the division’s records. Indexes to the 1st Cavalry Division
(and its attached units) are too numerous to provide digital or paper
copies; they will be made available to you (or someone on your behalf)
during onsite research at the National Archives.

We also found the Individual Awards Case File for Peter C. Lemon (1 folder,
27 pages) (Box 13); among the Medal of Honor Awards Case Files, 1965 – 1972
(UD Entry 42121) in RG 472. This series is restricted under FOIA (b)(6)
Personal Information; and must be screened for personal privacy information
under 5 U.S.C. 552 (b) (6) prior to public release. Please submit a Freedom
of Information Act request to NARA’s Special Access/FOIA office (
specialaccess_foia@nara.gov) to request review of these records.

We then searched the higher-level unit records of Military Assistance
Command, Vietnam (MACV). This office served as a headquarters level office
that oversaw the Army during the War. Within MACV we found the series
Security Classified General Records, 1969 – 1970 (A1 Entry 1803) for the
Provost Marshal Office, MACV (Boxes 1 -2). Box 1 contains files concerning
Black Market Activities and Graft and Corruption.

We also found under MACV the series General Records, 1970 – 1972 (A1 Entry
322) for the Drug Suppression Division, Provost Marshal, MACV (Boxes 1 –
3). Some of the included files are Drug Program Files; Drug Suppression;
and Narcotics Working Group. Each box contains approximately 1,000 pages.

Another series of potential interest within MACV is the series General
Records, 1969 – 1973 (A1 Entry 324) for the Drug Suppression, Investigation
and Security Division, Provost Marshal, MACV (Boxes 1 – 14). Boxes 4, 8,
11, 13 and 14 contain such files as Marijuana Data; Police Activity at R&R
sites; and Black-Market Activities. Each box contains approximately 1,000
pages.

Finally, within MACV we found the series Briefing Files, 1971 (A1 Entry
320) for Provost Marshal, MACV (Box 1). It contains files such as Drug
Suppression; Crime Prevention; and Suppression of Narcotics and Smuggling.
There are approximately 1,000 pages in the box.

We make reasonable efforts to assist researchers with their work. As a
matter of policy, the National Archives is staffed to assist researchers
with their work, including but not limited to pointing researchers to
helpful finding aids to begin their research. However, given the
limitations on staff resources, we do not generally conduct substantive
research in response to requests filed under the Freedom of Information
Act, except in circumstances where documents are easily locatable.

Your requests potentially require copying hundreds of pages. Our current
fee for electrostatic (paper) or digital (on disk) copies is $0.80 per page
with a minimum mail order fee of $20.00. We recommend scheduling an onsite
visit to Archives II to research and/or copy records. The advantage to this
option is that you could copy an unlimited number of pages at no cost by
using your own equipment. Digital cameras and/or NARA approved scanners
(flatbed only, with no feeder mechanism) are allowed in the Textual
Reference Research Room to make copies at no cost. The attached A2 Textual
Records Service Guide provides key information on a prospective visit.

If you are unable to come to the National Archives, you may hire a private
researcher to do research for you. A list of private researchers who are
familiar with National Archives facilities is available on our web site at
https://www.archives.gov/research/hire-help/index.html.

Photographs not interfiled within textual records are in the custody of
NARA's Still Picture Branch (RDSS), Room 5360, The National Archives at
College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001. The email
address is stillpix@nara.gov. Video recordings are in the custody of NARA's
Motion Picture Branch (RDSM), Room 3340, The National Archives at College
Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001. The email address is
mopix@nara.gov. Both offices will reach out to you directly concerning this
request.

We do not consider this a denial of your FOIA request. However, if you are
not satisfied with our action on this request, your options for appeal and
dispute resolution are outlined in the attachment. If you have any
questions, you may reach us at archives2reference@nara.gov.

This concludes the processing of your request.

Sincerely,

LYMAN REID

Textual Reference Archives II Branch (RR2RR)

National Archives at College Park, MD

RR2RR 23-44474

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ashley Bryan <ashley.bryan@nara.gov>
Date: Thu, May 25, 2023 at 9:02 AM
Subject: Fwd: Freedom of Information Act Request: Records Pertaining to the
Use of Marijuana by Soldiers during the Vietnam War
To: <requests@muckrock.com>
Cc: Textual Reference Archives II Branch <archives2reference@nara.gov>,
NARA General Counsel FOIA Office <foia@nara.gov>

Dear Jordan Lassiter:

Thank you for submitting your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) via email to
foia@nara.gov. We received your request on May 24, 2023. Your request
concerns the reported use of marijuana by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam
War, with particular emphasis on the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry
on Firebase Aires in Vietnam.

Our office handles FOIA and Privacy Act requests for NARA’s operational records
(records created by this agency). Because your FOIA request is for records
that may be archival records (records created by or originated in a
different agency but that may have been transferred to the legal custody of
NARA), we are forwarding it by this email to our Office of Research
Services, Textual Reference (RR2RR) staff who handle FOIA requests for
textual archival records.

That office will assign your request a tracking number and respond directly
to you. In the future, if you need to follow up with that office directly,
please contact them at the address below, or electronically via email
(email is preferred).

National Archives and Records Administration
Research Services, Textual Reference Branch (RR2RR)
8601 Adelphi Road, Room 2400
College Park, MD 20740

Phone: 301-837-3091
Fax: 301-837-1752
Email: archives2reference@nara.gov

For your reference, a copy of your request is below.

Please visit our website at www.archives.gov/foia for further information
about making a FOIA request to NARA. On our main website,
www.archives.gov, you
can learn more about the resources we offer to the public, and you can
access our online catalog.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and pursuant to guidance received from the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA had adjusted its normal
operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work
while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of
our staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may
experience a delay in receiving a substantive response to your FOIA
request. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your
understanding and patience.

Sincerely,
Ashley A. Bryan
Government Information Specialist
Office of General Counsel (NGC)
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland, 20740-6001
301-837-3642

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <requests@muckrock.com>
Date: Wed, May 24, 2023 at 9:03 PM
Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request: Records Pertaining to the Use
of Marijuana by Soldiers during the Vietnam War
To: <foia@nara.gov>

Nat'l Archives & Records Admin
FOIA Office
Room 3110
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740

May 24, 2023

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following
records:

Date: May 18, 2023

National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001

Attn: FOIA Officer

Subject: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request – Records Pertaining to
the Use of Marijuana by Soldiers during the Vietnam War

Dear FOIA Officer,

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, I
hereby request access to and copies of all records held by the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA) pertaining to the reported use
of marijuana by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, with particular
emphasis on the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires in
Vietnam.

During the Vietnam War, it was widely reported that some U.S. soldiers used
marijuana and other drugs. The use of these substances was often depicted
as a form of self-medication to cope with the stress of warfare, and/or as
a form of dissent or rebellion against the military hierarchy and the war
itself. A notable example is Medal of Honor recipient Peter Lemon, who was
reportedly under the influence of marijuana during the heroic actions that
earned him the award.

For the purpose of this request, the records I seek include, but are not
limited to:

Official military reports, memos, studies, or investigations concerning the
use of marijuana by soldiers during the Vietnam War, particularly those in
the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires.
Medical and psychiatric evaluations or reports that discuss the impact of
marijuana use on soldiers' performance and health, specifically pertaining
to the aforementioned units.
Military policy documents, briefings, or instructions concerning drug use,
particularly marijuana, among soldiers in these units.
Any documents relating to the case of Peter Lemon or any other specific
instances of marijuana use by soldiers in these units that resulted in
military or legal consequences.
Visual records, including but not limited to photographs and video
recordings that provide evidential or illustrative material related to the
use of marijuana by soldiers during the Vietnam War, especially concerning
the 1st Cavalry Division and 12th Cavalry on Firebase Aires.
Personal accounts, diaries, letters, or oral histories related to soldiers'
experiences with marijuana during this period from members of these
specific units.
Should any portion of the requested records be deemed exempt from
disclosure, I request the release of any reasonably segregable non-exempt
portions in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552(b). If an entire document is
exempt, I request a justification, citing specific FOIA exemptions, and
provision of an exemption log as per Vaughn v. Rosen, 484 F.2d 820 (D.C.
Cir. 1973).

Please note your obligation under the law not to destroy any records
potentially responsive to this request. Any withholding, redaction, or
destruction of responsive records without proper justification constitutes
a violation of the FOIA and is subject to litigation, as confirmed in
Kissinger v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 445 U.S. 136,
150 (1980).

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and
this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform
me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer
the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or
CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I
look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business
days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jordan Lassiter

View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

If prompted for a passcode, please enter:
••••••••

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 146396
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is
being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share,
and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed
(i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the
department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.