SwiftVets.com

[SBD]

In reference to the MSN story http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5840657/

THE RETIREMENT OF REAR ADM. WILLIAM L. SCHACHTE, THE ACTING JUDGE ADVOCATE OF THE NAVY (Senate - September 15, 1993)

[Page: S11771]
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?r103:./temp/~r103z1jG28

Mr. THURMOND. Madam President, I rise to recognize the dedication, public service, and patriotism of Rear Adm. William L. Schachte, Jr., the Acting Judge Advocate General of the Navy. Admiral Schachte retires from the Navy on October 1 after a distinguished 30-year career.

Admiral Schachte was born and raised in Charleston, SC and is a third generation graduate of Clemson University. After being commissioned as an ensign at officer candidates' school in 1964, Admiral Schachte volunteered for combat duty in Vietnam where he served as the officer in charge of a SWIFT boat operating out of Cam Ranh Bay. He participated in 99 combat missions from January through December 1968.

Following his return from Vietnam, Admiral Schachte earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1973. He obtained a masters of laws degree with honors in international law from the George Washington University in 1979.

Admiral Schachte is a noted expert in international law and law of the sea issues. He served as the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General for International Lawand was appointed by the Secretary of Defense as the DOD representative for ocean policy affairs. In this capacity, he represented both the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, he served as a member of the U.S. delegation to the U.N. Conference on the Law of the Sea. Admiral Schachte's inspiring leadership, operational knowledge, diplomatic acumen, and strategic vision preserved and promoted our Nation's operational freedoms in the maritime environment.

In November 1988, Admiral Schachte was promoted to rear admiral and since his promotion has served as the commander, Naval Investigative Service Command, as a Deputy Judge Advocate General, and, finally as commander of the Naval Legal Service Command. As head of the Naval Legal Service Command, he supervised the provision of military counsel, legal assistance, and claims services to the fleet, all service members and their dependents. His leadership in this area was essential to maintaining the good order, morale, and discipline of our sailors and marines.

Since the fall of 1992, Admiral Schachte has directed all uniformed lawyers in the sea services and has been the legal advisor to the top civilian and military leadership of the Department of the Navy as the Acting Judge Advocate General. As such, he has been at the forefront of the most pressing issues affecting our Nation and the military today.

Admiral Schachte's honors include--the Defense Distinguished Medal; the Defense Superior Service Medal; the Legion of Merit with Gold Star; the Bronze Star with `V'; Combat Action Ribbon; and the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star.

Mr. President, our Nation, his wife Carmen, and sons, Bill and David, can be proud of the admiral's many accomplishments. I wish Admiral Schachte and his family best wishes in his retirement.


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Kerry's done, look at this guys credentials. Not only was he appointed by the Secretary of Defense and served as a Judge, but he was also commander of the Naval Legal Service Command. I think the credibility factor has definately been established here. It's a good thing Kerry picked Edwards as his running mate because he is definately going to need a lawyer.

SBD