United States Department of Defense

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM PERRY ON DEATH OF JOSEPH KRUZEL,DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR EUROPEAN AND NATO POLICY

"I am personally and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting fromthe accident today in Bosnia. These brave and dedicated men were on a vitallyimportant mission to help achieve peace in that war-torn part of the world.

"I would like to extend my heart-felt condolences to the families of Dr. JosephKruzel, Ambassador Robert Frasure and Colonel Nelson Drew and to the familiesof those American and French members of the delegation who were injured in theaccident. Their contributions to the peace process were immeasurable.

"Joe Kruzel, my deputy assistant secretary of Defense for European and NATOpolicy, was a personal friend. Joe has served the Department and this Nationtirelessly and with great dedication and distinction. He will be missedgreatly by all of us who knew and admired him. To his wife, Gail, and hischildren, Sarah and John, I offer, on behalf of a grateful nation, our sympathyand best wishes in this time of great tragedy."