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Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I cannot allow the passing of an American whose unsung contributions over 44 years have served to enhance, in ways that cannot be measured, the national security and well-being of this country. I speak of Bill Lackman.

The name Bill Lackman is not known to the American public. But in the intelligence community, his is a household name. I know Bill only from his many trips to the Senate Intelligence Committee to testify on the complex and necessary business of intelligence programs and budget. If I were asked to select one word which would best describe Bill, it would be a professional--in the finest sense of the word. Bill knew his business better than anyone and he was an articulate spokesman. It goes without saying that his wife Anne and his family will miss him. It will also go without commentary that the intelligence community and his country will miss him.

At this point, I can think of no greater tribute to Bill than to recount his career and contributions to his country.

Bill graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, in 1951 and served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1973, rising to the rank of colonel in the Infantry. During his military career, he served combat tours in Korea and Vietnam. He served as assistant professor of Russian history at the U.S. Military Academy, and he also served as assistant professor of international relations at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His military decorations include the Silver Star, three awards of the Legion of Merit, four Bronze Stars, the Army and Air Force commendation medals, two Purple Hearts, and two awards of the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

In 1976, Bill joined the intelligence community staff and rose to become the principal spokesman for the entire national intelligence community budget. In 1986, he became deputy director of the intelligence community staff. For this service and his many contributions, Bill was awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal in January 1993.

Bill was appointed the first Director of the Central Imagery Office by Secretary of Defense Cheney on May 22, 1992, where he pioneered many management innovations in the provision of imagery to national defense.

Bill gave unselfishly to a country he loved. His contributions can never be adequately repaid. He shall be missed.

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