Statement By George J. Tenet Director of Central Intelligence on the Death of Walter L. Pforzheimer, CIA's First Legislative Counsel

February 11, 2003

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Walter Pforzheimer, a good friend and truly one of CIA's founding fathers and enduring legends. Walter played a major role in securing passage of the National Security Act of 1947, which established the Central Intelligence Agency. As the CIA's first Legislative Counsel and throughout his 27-year career, he promoted the cooperation between intelligence professionals and legislators that has sustained and strengthened the Agency and the Intelligence Community.

In September 1997, as we marked the 50th anniversary of CIA, Walter Pforzheimer was recognized as a "CIA Trailblazer" — one of 50 Agency officers, from our earliest days to the present, who by their actions, example, innovations, or initiative, have taken the CIA in important new directions and helped shape our history.

It was an enormous honor and privilege to present Walter with this award for his ground breaking work and remarkable achievements, which remain an inspiration to everyone in the intelligence profession.

Walter Pforzheimer was a Trailblazer in every sense of the word, and he will be greatly missed.