STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM J. PERRY ON THE DEATH OF DAVID PACKARD
I am deeply saddened by the death of David Packard, who was a friend and
mentor to me for many years.
Mr. Packard served as deputy secretary of defense from 1969-1971. He was a
giant in industry, in public service and philanthropy.
He co-founded Hewlett Packard Corp., a company that helped establish the
computer industry, and helped the military incorporate computers into its
weapons and operations. David Packard and Bill Hewlett created more than a
company, they created an industry.
As Deputy Secretary of Defense under Secretary Melvin Laird, Mr. Packard
served in one of the strongest teams ever to run the Defense Department. Their
leadership is still a model for enlightened civilian management of the
military.
A decade ago he made another huge and enduring contribution to good
government. He chaired the Packard Commission, which recommend a revolution in
defense procurement through the application of standard business practices.
His recommendations are still being implemented today. They are enabling the
military to modernize more quickly at lower cost.
In everything he undertook, Dave Packard helped change the world for the
better.
