This is historical material, "frozen in time." The web site is no longer updated and links to external web sites and some internal pages will not work.

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release July 29, 1995

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I mourn the passing today of Major Richard J. Meadows, USA (Ret.) whose dedicated and exceptional service is cherished by everyone who knew of his extraordinary courage and selfless service.

I recently had asked General Wayne Downing, the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Special Operations Command, to present the Presidential Citizens Medal to Major Meadows. I am gratified to know that Major Meadows' wife Pamela, his son Mark , a U.S. Army captain, and daughter Michele will receive this award tonight at a gathering of those involved in the Son Tay raid at Hurlburt Field. Although this will now be a posthumous honor, I am pleased that Major Meadows knew of this honor before he died.

To Major Meadows' family and friends and to the Special Operations community, I extend my heartfelt condolences. We will all remember him as a soldier's soldier and one of America's finest unsung heroes.

# # #