Survivors, family members, veterans' organizations -- as well as the news media and other interested parties -- are awaiting President Clinton's decision on the pardon application of Freddie Meeks of Los Angeles, one of the last known survivors of the courts martial that followed the Port Chicago disaster of July 17, 1944.

The pardon was filed by Mr. Meeks in February with his attorneys from the firm of Morrison and Foerster, who provided legal assistance free of charge. Mr. Meeks is seeking expedited consideration of his application.

In the meantime, there have been several important events for those following the Port Chicago case ---

A memorial service was held on July 17, the 55th anniversary of the catastrophe that killed 320 men and wounded nearly 400 more. Participants included Robert Routh, Percy Robinson, Spencer Sikes and other veterans and relatives of those who served at Port Chicago. A commemorative wreath was committed to the waters at the site of the Port Chicago National Memorial.

The World War II Black Navy Veterans of the Great Lakes held its annual convention in Washington, D.C. in August, and conducted a wreath laying at the Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue. Participating were Great Lakes veterans and Rear Admiral Lillian Fishburne, the first black female admiral. The veterans are writing letters in support of the Meeks petition to President Clinton and are urging fellow veterans' groups to do the same.

A program on Port Chicago is scheduled to be broadcast in the near future on ABC- TV's Nightline.

I'll be back in touch with updated information in the near future.