[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[February 12, 1992]
[Pages 242-243]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter Accepting the Resignation of Richard H. Truly as Administrator of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

February 12, 1992
Dear Dick:
    It is with deep regret that I accept your resignation from the 
position of Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration.
    Almost three years ago, I nominated you to become Administrator of 
NASA. As a result of your leadership, NASA is better prepared for the 
1990s and beyond. You have established a balanced NASA program including 
aeronautics, space science, manned Space Shuttle operations--including 
the upcoming addition of the Endeavour--and robotic space exploration. 
Working with the Vice President, you developed our Space Exploration 
Initiative that begins with Space Station Freedom.
    Some of the significant and historic milestones in your career 
include piloting the second flight of the Space Shuttle in 1981 and 
commanding the first night launch and landing of the Shuttle in 1983. 
But one of the most notable was the way you took over NASA's Office of 
Space Flight soon after the Challenger tragedy. Under your leadership, 
NASA was able to rebuild the Space Shuttle program and return it to safe 
operation in 1988.
    You have served in many important positions throughout your career 
and have received numerous awards. The Nation owes you a great debt of 
gratitude for your 37 years of dedicated public service and the 
significant contributions you have made to America's flight and 
aerospace achievements.
    Barbara joins me in extending to you and your family our heartfelt 
thanks and the admiration and appreciation of our Nation.
    Best wishes.
    Sincerely,

                                                             George Bush

                    
Dear Mr. President:
    It is with the deepest regret that I submit this letter of 
resignation as the Administrator of NASA. As we discussed when we met 
today, and because NASA is without a Deputy, I will remain until April 
1.
    This action will conclude almost 37 years of continuous military and 
government service for me. I have been unbelievably

[[Page 243]]

privileged to have had so many challenging assignments in aviation, 
space flight, military command and public administration over these 
years. In our nation's space business, I have enjoyed jobs in every 
corner of it; civilian and military, highly classified and open, flight 
and management.
    In the last six years since I arrived to join the NASA leadership 
just after the Challenger tragedy, I have watched the talented men and 
women of this elite agency turn heartbreak and disarray into the 
impressive achievements and superb organization of today. With 20 safe 
and successful Shuttle flights in the last 40 months, scientific 
discoveries pouring in, Space Station Freedom on track, and our wind 
tunnels testing the airframes and spacecraft of tomorrow, they deserve 
to be very, very proud. With your support, their opportunities to 
inspire America's people and drive our country's competitiveness are 
boundless. Their achievements result from working daily in a fishbowl 
world of difficult and exacting tasks, tough judgments and carefully 
balanced risks; not an endeavor which some would have you think has 
quick, brilliant and easy solutions.
    I think that the job of leading these people is the best one in 
Washington, and I am proud to have had that privilege. Cody and I 
particularly want to thank you and Barbara for the personal times you 
have shared with us over the years.
    Sincerely,

                                                        Richard H. Truly

                    Note: These letters were made available by the 
                        Office of the Press Secretary on February 13 but 
                        were not issued as White House press releases.