[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRIBUTE TO LT. GEN. MERLE FREITAG

  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding military leader and the Comptroller of the U.S. Army, Lt. 
Gen. Merle Freitag. Lieutenant General Freitag will end his active 
military career effective this June, retiring after 32 years of 
singular dedication, outstanding performance, and distinguished service 
to the military and the Nation.
  Throughout his distinguished military career, General Freitag has 
exhibited extraordinary leadership, competence, and professionalism. As 
steward of the Army's resources since 1991, he has set the standard for 
resource management leadership by tirelessly pursuing initiatives to 
ensure the most efficient use of Army financial resources. His 
leadership ensured soldiers and their commanders were supported in 
peace and in major contingencies such as Just Cause and Desert Storm. A 
professional resource manager in every sense of the word, the 
difference that he has made will influence the way the Army conducts 
its financial responsibilities for many years into the future. In his 
capacity as Comptroller, he has worked closely with Congress. His 
superior analytical abilities, visionary direction, integrity, and 
commitment to excellence have earned him the respect and admiration of 
the Members of Congress in both legislative bodies.
  General Freitag has had an illustrious military career. A graduate of 
South Dakota State University in 1962, General Freitag served two tours 
in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He 
commanded both battalion and brigade level units of the 101st Airborne 
Division, Air Assault, providing aviation logistic support for 
deployment of aircraft worldwide. Since 1985, he has served in a 
variety of critical resource management positions at the Army staff and 
secretariat levels and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 
culminating in his present position as Comptroller of the Army.
  Throughout General Freitag's professional Army career, his wife, 
Phyllis, has steadfastly supported him through hardships and triumphs 
and many career separations. Her devotion, sacrifice, and resilience 
typify the Army wife. The Nation owes a great deal of gratitude to Mrs. 
Freitag for her numerous sacrifices and contributions.
  General Freitag and his wife have earned the retirement they so 
richly deserve. I personally want to wish him and his family the best 
in the years ahead and join the Nation in expressing our heartfelt 
thanks for his dedication and selfless devotion and service to the U.S. 
Army, the Department of Defense, and the United States of America.

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