Sold – President George HW Bush Comforts the Family of a Fallen Soldier

I know it must hurt an awful lot. Barbara and I have you in our prayers.

Relations between Panama and the U.S., already tense, became heated after a tainted 1989 election that left dictator Manuel Noriega in power.  U.S. economic sanctions followed and the government of Panama itself spoke of a general “state of war.” The U.S. regularly conducted “freedom of movement” operations within the country designed to destabilize the regime, and Noriega engaged in routine harrassment of American citizens.  On December 16, 1989 a serviceman was killed in a roadblock, and the three that survived claimed they had been unarmed.  This incident more than anything else, George HW Bush would later claim, instigated American action.  The invasion of Panama, known as Operation Just Cause, was an unusually delicate and complex operation, but violent nonetheless. Its key objectives were the capture of Noriega and the establishment of a democratic government. The U.S. had bases located there, and these troops had a long-standing relationship with the Panama Defense Forces.  The American invasion of Panama launched on December 20.

James Markwell was a Ranger on the front line of the invasion, one of a small number to die in action.  On January 3, 1990, Noriega surrendered.  The very next day, President Bush wrote Markwell’s mother a remarkable letter, expressing the sorrow of the Commander in Chief and giving his reasons why such sacrifice was necessary.

Typed Letter Signed, on White House letterhead, to Sandra Rouse, January 4, 1990, showing heartfelt empathy with her tragic situation. “Barbara and I were saddened to learn of the loss of your son, Private First Class James W. Markwell USA, in the fighting in Panama. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.  Each human life is precious and my heart goes out to you.  Although the days ahead will not be easy for you and your family, I hope that you may take comfort in the knowledge that James died protecting his fellow Americans, whose lives were in danger.  He served his country with honor, pride, and courage, earning the enduring gratitude of a thankful nation.  You are your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  God Bless you.  George Bush.” He adds a holograph postscript, “I know it must hurt an awful lot. Barbara and I have you in our prayers.”