FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 1997

CONTACT: Bruce Milhans (202) 606-1800 bjmilhan@opm.gov

Noting that President William Jefferson Clinton had bestowed the award on only one other individual during his Presidency, King read the Presidents citation to McClure:

With Profound Appreciation, Highest Esteem, and Great Personal Satisfaction:

During nearly 30 years of service to the Nation, including service with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Executive Boards in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Los Angeles, California, Dr. McClure has earned an outstanding reputation as a persuasive and resourceful leader. Most notably in the aftermath of the tragic bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, Dr. McClures leadership of the Oklahoma Federal Executive Board brought relief, comfort and compassion to the victims and to the families of those tragically lost. Throughout a career filled with excellence, character and dedicated service to his community and his country, Dr. McClure has demonstrated the qualities that make our nation great.

King added no one deserves this more than Mac. During my decade in Washington -- working in the White House and leading two great agencies during that time -- Ive known some outstanding public servants, but none more so than the one we honor tonight. His key role in responding to the Oklahoma City bombing was instrumental in reemphasizing the value of an effective and well galvanized Federal Executive Board, as was originally envisioned by President John F. Kennedy when he established the Federal Executive Boards through Presidential Directive 465 on November 14, 1961.

Note to editors: McClure retired Jan. 3, 1997. The first presentation of the Award under the Clinton Adminstration was made April 29, 1994 to Ronald R. Geisler, former Executive Clerk of the White House, who served seven presidents during a career spanning 36 years.

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