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❝ In a triumph of the middling, a nod to mediocrity, and with gorge rising... ❞
TOBY ZIEGLER

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Toby Ziegler

Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, known casually as Fitz, or Fitzwallace, was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When Bartlet became President, Fitz was one of the first few people to know about the President's condition, that he had relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis.

Career[]

Percy Fitzwallace worked as a navy admiral, and served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for most of the Bartlet Administration. Before becoming Chairman, the last thing he captained displaced 7,000 tons.

Fitzwallace convinced the lame-duck president to send a military mission to the Philippines shortly after President Bartlet was elected. Bartlet, miffed that he might be saddled with new military obligations before taking office, quipped that he should "fire that guy" Fitzwallace.[1] Nevertheless, they grew to respect one another highly. Due to the President's lack of personal military experience, Fitz often felt the need to run things by Leo McGarry first.

Military Career[]

While never explicitly described, the military awards Admiral Fitzwallace (O10) wears on his uniform are as follows in order of precedence: Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; Legion of Merit Officer Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star Device; Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Bronze "V" for Valor; Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Silver Star in lieu of Fifth Award and Gold Star in lieu of Sixth Award; Combat Action with Gold Star Device; Navy Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star Device; Joint Meritorious Unit Award with Frame; Navy Unit Commendation with Silver Wreathed "E" Device; Navy Expeditionary Medal with Silver Star Device; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Silver Star Device; Vietnam Service Medal with Triple Bronze Star Device; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star Device; Navy Sea Service Deployment with Silver Star Device; Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service with Bronze Star Device; Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Campaign Medal; Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait; and the Liberation of Kuwait Medal.

From these devices, it can be assumed he served more than one tour in both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

He is qualified to wear the Naval Surface Warfare Officer Insignia and his duties in the White House are indicated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff ID badge.

Death[]

He was killed in the line of duty during an attack on a convoy of US diplomats, who were on a fact-finding mission in Gaza. A bomb detonated next to the road, killing three and wounding several others, including Donna Moss. The Admiral was married to Gail at the time of his death. President Bartlet met with Fitzwallace's wife to offer condolences and to promise justice.

Trivia[]

CONTINUITY

  • At the time of his death, Fitzwallace's wife's name was "Gail". She was previously referred to as "Laura". ("The Dogs of War") It is unknown if this is a production error, or if he remarried.

Photos[]

Notes and references[]

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