IN THE passing of Admiral William D. Leahy the nation has lost an outstanding American and I have lost a close personal friend. As a Naval Officer and a diplomat, Admiral Leahy dedicated his life to the service of his country in war and in peace. Mrs. Eisenhower and I join with the people of America in mourning his death.
Note: In addition to the foregoing statement, the President issued Executive Order 10809 (24 F.R. 5817), which provided that, as a mark of respect to the memory of Admiral Leahy, the flag of the United States should be flown at half-staff on all Government buildings, grounds, and naval vessels until interment.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, Statement by the President on the Death of Admiral William D. Leahy. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/235168