Melvin R. Laird

Awards and Accolades

US General Accounting Office Award for Public Service

The General Accounting Office (GAO) is the investigative arm of Congress. It supports Congress in meeting its Constitutional responsibilities and helps improve the performance and accountability of the federal government.

GAO's activities are designed to ensure the executive branch's accountability to the Congress and the U.S. government's accountability to the American people.

Presented to Melvin Laird on November 29th, 1988, the Award for Public Service citation reads:

"For long and distinguished service to his country as a member of the House of Representatives; as Secretary of Defense; as Domestic Adviser to the President; and as a trusted confidant of Presidents, Cabinet officers, and the countless men and women who have sought his counsel in carrying out their duties of public trust."