Clinton Eulogizes Admiral as a Man of Unquestioned Honor

WASHINGTON — Adm. Jeremy Michael Boorda was eulogized Tuesday by President Clinton as a military leader who had a “deep sense of honor which no person should ever question.”

Boorda, the Navy’s top officer, killed himself Thursday amid questions about whether he had earned the right to wear certain combat decorations on his uniform.

During a memorial service at Washington National Cathedral, Clinton did not mention Boorda’s suicide.

“I know there is nothing we can say or do to ease the loss,” Clinton told the mourners, including Boorda’s widow and four children. “Mike Boorda’s seat is empty. And how we will miss his warm smile and easy manner. What a legacy he has left behind.”

Clinton said Boorda’s determination to end the slaughter in Bosnia “had a profound impact on his president and his nation.”

While official Washington turned out in force for the memorial service, the massive, ornate cathedral also was filled to overflowing with Navy men and women, all in dress whites.

Many blinked back tears as they heard speaker after speaker praise the only enlisted man ever to rise through the ranks to become chief of naval operations.

Symbolic of the feelings were the remarks of Master Chief Petty Officer John P. Hagan, who offered an impromptu eulogy before leading a scripture reading.

“He was, he is, he always will be, my hero,” Hagan said.

Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Boorda dedicated himself to ensuring that the “selfless service” of the Navy’s 400,000 sailors did not go unrecognized.

“We are all the richer because we had Mike in our midst,” Shalikashvili said. “The nation has lost a great patriot and . . . I and the other Joint Chiefs who served with him have lost a cherished friend.”

Navy Secretary John H. Dalton called Boorda “a great ship handler” who was respected and admired by the Navy’s brass and enlisted masses alike.

“He was the sailor’s sailor. There is no greater tribute to pay him than that,” Dalton said. “I’m lucky to have known him.”