[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 113 (Monday, June 30, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING FREDERICK W. SMITH

 Mr. HAGERTY. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the remarkable life of an extraordinary American, a Marine Corps 
veteran, titan of industry, and friend to me and many others here in 
the U.S. Senate and across the legislative and executive branches of 
our government Frederick W. Smith. Fred is best known for being a 
pioneer in the transportation, logistics, e-commerce, and express 
delivery industry, the founder and CEO of FedEx for nearly half a 
century. Fred was that and much more.
  Fred Smith led an All-American life. Born in Marks, MS, he was raised 
in Memphis, TN. There, he attended elementary school at Presbyterian 
Day School and high school at Memphis University School. In 1962, he 
entered Yale University to study economics where he would conceive of 
an idea for an integrated air-to-ground transportation and logistics 
business, which would eventually become Federal Express.
  After graduating Yale, he served our country through two tours of 
duty in the Vietnam war. For his service, Fred received the Silver 
Star, the Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. An excerpt from Fred's 
Silver Star citation provides some insight to the man Fred was--the 
Fred I knew: ``By his courage, aggressive leadership and unfaltering 
devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lieutenant Smith upheld the 
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval 
Service.'' Fred was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1973 with 
the rank of captain.
  Fred Smith's leadership was found throughout his private life, too. 
Through his tenacity, he built FedEx to become one of the largest 
private employers of Americans and the global leader in transportation 
and logistics. On April 17, 1973, Federal Express began operations in 
Memphis, TN, with 389 employees; 14 aircraft delivered 186 packages to 
25 U.S. cities during that first day. Today, FedEx employs more than 
370,000 Americans, operating in over 220 countries and delivering over 
17 million shipments per day.
  Fred believed in his hometown of Memphis and chose to make his city 
the headquarters and logistical center of FedEx. He saw the potential 
for Memphis. Today, Memphis is a major center in global logistics 
because of Fred's hard work and determination. Fred served as CEO of 
FedEx until 2022 and served as executive chairman until his passing.
  Fred Smith's commitment to Memphis was also demonstrated through his 
philanthropic support of education, healthcare, sports, the arts, and 
community development in the city. Fred served on the board of St. Jude 
Children's Research Hospital and the Mayo Foundation. He demonstrated 
his love for the city through his actions.
  And even more important than his military career, his accomplishments 
in business, and philanthropy, Fred Smith was a loving husband to 
Diane, father to 10 children, 31 grandchildren, and 2 great-
grandchildren. I am fortunate to know many of Fred's family members, 
and in them, I see Fred's patriotism and commitment that will extend 
his legacy for generations to come. Fred has left a lasting impression 
on those who knew him and those who did not. Those who did will miss 
him dearly. Every American should be thankful for the life of Fred 
Smith.

                          ____________________