Klinghoffer’s Body Arrives Home; Senator Calls for Medal of Honor

The body of Leon Klinghoffer, the crippled American slain by hijackers aboard the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro, arrived on U.S. soil Sunday in a flag-draped coffin escorted by a military honor guard.

Relatives and elected officials gathered at Kennedy International Airport as the body of the 69-year-old New Yorker arrived shortly after 3:30 p.m. on a flight from Rome. The coffin was wheeled onto an airport runway where a short ceremony took place.

Dignitaries, including U.S. Sens. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) and Alfonse M. D’Amato (R-N.Y.), extolled Klinghoffer’s courage.

“The hearts of all Americans go out to you in your time of grief,” D’Amato told Klinghoffer’s wife, Marilyn, and other members of his family.

As a result of his death, “there has come about a new spirit. Leon lives on,” D’Amato said. “I believe that spirit will be one that lives on and gives comfort, help and aid to others to end this barbarism.”

D’Amato said he and Rep. Ted Weiss (D-N.Y.), who also spoke at the airport ceremony, will formally propose today that Klinghoffer be awarded the Medal of Honor.

After the speeches, Klinghoffer’s wife kissed her hand and touched the casket. The honor guard removed the flag, folded it and gave it to Mrs. Klinghoffer, who clutched it as she wiped tears from her face.

A private funeral for Klinghoffer is scheduled for today at Shaaray Tefila synagogue in Manhattan.