Harry Truman actually said...
Possession and control of the transportation systems, plants, and facilities owned or operated by the carriers by railroad named in the list attached hereto and made a part hereof are hereby taken and assumed, through the Director of the Office of Defense Transportation (hereinafter referred to as the Director), as of four o'clock P. M., May 17, 1946; but such possession and control shall be limited to real and personal property and other assets used or useful in connection with the operation of the transportation systems of the said carriers.
05/16/1946