[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S2903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  WILLIAM F. LACKMAN, JR. (1929-1995)

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay respect to the memory 
of William F. Lackman, Jr., a resident of Middleburg, VA, who died last 
week at the age of 65. Mr. Lackman was a distinguished public servant 
to whom the Nation owes its most profound respect and gratitude.
  Bill Lackman served his country for more than 40 years--first as an 
Army officer and then as a distinguished civilian member of the Defense 
Intelligence community. Graduating from West Point in 1951, Mr. Lackman 
served in the Army for 22 years, retiring in 1973 with the rank of 
colonel. He was a battle-hardened officer who led soldiers in combat 
during two different wars, Korea and Vietnam. Among a number of other 
prominent decorations, he won the Silver Star and twice earned the 
Combat Infantryman's Badge.
  Of profound significance is the fact that he was twice felled by 
battlefield wounds, meriting two awards of the Purple Heart. 
Nevertheless, he continued his military service because he was 
dedicated to the ideals embodied in the United States Constitution to 
which he had sworn an oath to support and defend.
  In addition to his wartime uniformed service, Mr. Lackman worked in a 
number of diversified and important military assignments. He held 
policy-related positions in both the Office of the Secretary of Defense 
and the Joint Staff. He also had the unusual distinction of having 
instructed cadets at both the U.S. Military Academy and at the U.S. Air 
Force Academy. Long before the Goldwater-Nichols Act officially 
recognized the need and codified a requirement for outstanding officers 
to serve in joint positions, Bill Lackman was walking point as a 
``purple suit'' officer.
  Starting in 1976, Bill Lackman continued his devoted service to the 
Nation as a Department of Defense civilian. He worked in positions of 
increasing responsibility within the Defense Intelligence network 
culminating with his service, from 1992 to 1994, as the Director of the 
Central Imagery Office in the Department of Defense. In that capacity, 
he was responsible for all aspects of imagery reconnaissance, including 
satellite photography, for the Department of Defense and various other 
national intelligence agencies. The importance and complexity of that 
position in this high tech age, replete with numerous and diverse 
threats to our security, is unmistakable. Yet Bill Lackman was more 
than worthy of the job and he accomplished his mission with integrity, 
dedication and professionalism.
  Over the years, I had a number of opportunities to work with Bill. 
Particularly in my capacity as a member of the Senate Intelligence 
Committee, I often sought out insights and advice from him on a variety 
of intelligence matters. In every instance, his input was thorough and 
accurate. Suffice it to say that my respect for Bill Lackman, as both a 
person and an intelligence adviser, was profound.
  Mr. President, I believe my colleagues will agree that William F. 
Lackman, Jr., was an extraordinary public servant whose dedicated 
service to the people of the United States, spanning more than 40 
years, is worthy of our eminent praise and respect. On behalf of all 
Virginians and a grateful Nation, I wish to extend my sympathies and 
gratitude to Bill's wife, Anne, his seven children, and his parents, 
Mr. and Mrs. William F. Lackman.


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