[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 51 (Monday, December 26, 1994)]
[Pages 2515-2517]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Presenting Medals for Service in Operation Uphold Democracy

December 20, 1994

    Secretary Perry, Admiral Owens, members of the Joint Chiefs; to 
General Shelton and Mrs. Shelton, members of the Shelton family; to the 
representatives of each of our military services who served in Haiti and 
their families; all the other distinguished guests here, welcome to the 
Rose Garden.
    We gather today to honor General Shelton and members of our Armed 
Forces for their service to our Nation in Operation Uphold Democracy. 
All those who have served and all those who still serve in Haiti have 
served with extraordinary skill, courage, and dedication.
    For 3 years the United States and other countries throughout the 
world tried everything short of force to remove Haiti's illegal military 
regime and to restore its democrat- 

[[Page 2516]]

ically elected government. It wasn't until the regime's leaders knew our 
armed forces were on the way that they agreed to step down peacefully.
    Think for a moment where we would be today had we not acted and had 
General Shelton and the other members of our Armed Forces not performed 
their mission so admirably. The military regime would still be in power 
in Haiti, terrorizing the people there. Tens of thousands of refugees 
would continue to pose a threat to our region's stability. The march of 
democracy in the Americas would have suffered a severe setback. And the 
commitments of the United States in the international community would 
have proved empty.
    Instead, we kept our word. President Aristide, Haiti's freely 
elected leader, has returned to office. The parliament is functioning. A 
sense of security and hope has replaced the climate of fear. The private 
sector is beginning the job of getting back on its feet. The rebuilding 
process has begun. And clearly our region is more stable and secure.
    At the Summit of the Americas last week when we had 34 
democratically elected leaders from our hemisphere, I think no one would 
dispute the fact that the emotional highlight of the weekend was 
President Aristide's speech in three languages, expressing his gratitude 
to those who supported freedom and democracy in Haiti.
    General Shelton, your careful planning and your ability to adapt to 
a fast-changing situation were at the heart of our success in Haiti. The 
strong personal leadership, the steady hand, and the real determination 
that you, personally, conveyed to the military leaders of Haiti in the 
first days, from the first moment of your action there were, I know, 
absolutely critical to the success of this operation and to its 
peacefulness.
    First, we asked you to prepare an innovative, integrated invasion 
force, drawing on the special capabilities of each of our services. 
Then, when the regime agreed at the 11th hour to leave, you had to 
switch gears immediately, and to ready our troops for a soft entry into 
Haiti.
    On the ground, you have done a magnificent job of laying a secure 
foundation for the future. This has allowed 800 international police 
monitors from all around the world to work with an interim police force 
that is gaining the respect of the Haitian people. As a result, we've 
been able to draw down our own forces from 20,000 to about 6,000 at 
Christmas time. This number will soon decrease further as we transfer 
our mission in Haiti to the United Nations.
    Through your efforts, General, Haiti today is democratic and free 
and much more secure. The Haitian people themselves, of course, must 
meet the difficult challenges ahead. It will take time for rebuilding 
and progress, but now at least all Haitians have a chance to work for a 
better future for themselves and their children.
    The hand-painted signs we see in Haiti today say it all: Thank you, 
America. Today America says: Thank you, General. And thanks to the men 
and women of our military who served so well in Haiti.
    In a few moments I will be honored to award General Shelton the Army 
Distinguished Service Medal. But first I want to recognize the 
exceptional concern the General has also shown for the men and women 
under his command. I know that their safety and their well-being were 
always his first priority. And for that our Nation is also grateful to 
General Shelton.
    General, you requested that enlisted members from all our military 
branches join you today to receive the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 
on behalf of their respective services. The soldiers who stand before us 
are the finest of America's finest. Each also will be awarded an 
individual commendation for meritorious service in Haiti.
    I'd like to recognize them now: from the Coast Guard, Radioman 1st 
Class Charles Brown; from the Air Force, Staff Sergeant John McCormick; 
from the Navy, Senior Chief Operations Specialist Samuel Wood; from the 
Marine Corps, Sergeant Paul Panici; from the Army, Staff Sergeant Morris 
Jones; and from the Special Forces, Sergeant 1st Class Shannon Davis. 
Each of you has helped to prove once again that our military is the best 
prepared, the best equipped, the best trained, the most devoted and 
highly motivated military in the entire world.
    It is now my privilege to present all of you and General Shelton 
with your awards. Let

[[Page 2517]]

our history recall that you answered the call of duty, you did your job, 
you advanced America's mission. Freedom and democracy are better as a 
result. Haiti's long night of fear has given way to a new day of hope.

Note: The President spoke at 2:47 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Adm. William A. Owens, USN, Vice 
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Lt. Gen. Henry H. Shelton, USA, 
commander of the Haiti operation; and General Shelton's wife, Lee.