    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [February 3, 1996]
    [Page 163]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 163]]

    Statement on the Death of Donald A. Dugan
    February 3, 1996

        I deeply regret the death today in Bosnia of an American soldier who
    was killed this morning when he stepped on a landmine. This is the first
    fatality that U.S. forces have suffered in Operation Joint Endeavor.
        Hillary and I join all Americans in extending our deepest sympathies
    to his family. They should know that he died in the noblest of causes,
    the pursuit of peace.
        Since before Operation Joint Endeavor began, I have said it entails
    real risks. But our commanders have provided our troops with the finest
    training and equipment to confront the challenges in Bosnia. We will
    continue to take every precaution to protect American troops as they
    continue to perform this critical mission of securing an enduring peace
    in Bosnia.