    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [July 29, 1995]
    [Page 1179]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1179]]

    Statement on the Death of Major Richard J. Meadows
    July 29, 1995

        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 Sontay 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.