WASHINGTON MUTUAL INC
EXHIBIT 10.7.9
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.7.9
<SEQUENCE>10
<FILENAME>a2129328zex-10_79.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 10.7.9
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>

</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#04SEA1034_9">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="me1035_exhibit_10.7.9"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_me1035_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Exhibit 10.7.9    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>ATTACHMENT A </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC. RETIREMENT SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN<BR>
MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS AMENDMENT  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>AMENDMENT NO. 9  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>APPENDIX F  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE I<BR>
GENERAL RULES  </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Effective Date.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless an earlier effective date is specified in Section 6.1 of this Amendment, the provisions of this
Amendment will apply for purposes of determining required minimum distributions for calendar years beginning with the 2003 calendar year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.2</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Coordination with Minimum Distribution Requirements Previously in Effect.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the effective date of this Amendment is
earlier than calendar years beginning with the 2003 calendar year, required minimum distributions for 2002 under this Amendment will be determined as follows. If the total amount of 2002 required
minimum distributions under the Plan made to the distributee prior to the effective date of this Amendment equals or exceeds the required minimum distributions determined under this Amendment, then no
additional distributions will be required to be made for 2002 on or after such date to the distributee. If the total amount of 2002 required minimum distributions under the Plan made to the
distributee prior to the effective date of this Amendment is less than the amount determined under this Amendment, then required minimum distributions for 2002 on and after such date will be
determined so that the total amount of required minimum distributions for 2002 made to the distributee will be the amount determined under this Amendment.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.3</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Precedence.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The requirements of this Amendment will take precedence over any inconsistent provisions of the Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.4</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Requirements of Treasury Regulations Incorporated.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All distributions required under this Amendment will be determined and
made in accordance with the Treasury regulations under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.5</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>TEFRA Section 242(b)(2) Elections.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Amendment, distributions may be made under
a designation made before January 1, 1984, in accordance with Section 242(b)(2) of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the provisions of the Plan that relate to Section 242(b)(2)
of TEFRA. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="me1035_article_ii_time_and_manner_of_distribution"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_me1035_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE II<BR>  TIME AND MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>2.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Required Beginning Date.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Participant's entire interest will be distributed, or begin to be distributed, to the
Participant no later than the Participant's required beginning date.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>2.2</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Death of Participant Before Distributions Begin.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the Participant dies before distributions begin, the Participant's
entire interest will be distributed, or begin to be distributed, no later than as follows:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>If
the Participant's surviving spouse is the Participant's sole designated beneficiary, then, except as provided in Article VI of this Amendment, distributions to the surviving spouse
will begin by December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2129328",CP="WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC",DN="9",CHK=847927,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK018:[04SEA5.04SEA1035]ME1035A.;8',USER='JKEENE',CD='11-MAR-2004;17:01' -->
<UL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>the
Participant died, or by December 31 of the calendar year in which the Participant would have attained age 70<SUP>1</SUP>/<SMALL>2</SMALL>, if later. </FONT></P>

</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>If
the Participant's surviving spouse is not the Participant's sole designated beneficiary, then, except as provided in Article VI of this Amendment, distributions to the designated
beneficiary will begin by December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Participant died.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>If
there is no designated beneficiary as of September 30 of the year following the year of the Participant's death, the Participant's entire interest will be distributed by December
31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Participant's death.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>If
the Participant's surviving spouse is the Participant's sole designated beneficiary and the surviving spouse dies after the Participant but before distributions to the surviving
spouse begin, this Section 2.2, other than Section 2.2(a) of this Amendment, will apply as if the surviving spouse were the Participant. </FONT></DD></DL>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>For
purposes of this Section 2.2 and Article IV, unless Section 2.2(d) of this Amendment applies, distributions are considered to begin on the Participant's required beginning date. If Section 2.2(d)
of this Amendment applies, distributions are considered to begin on the date distributions are required to begin to the surviving spouse under Section 2.2(a) of this Amendment. If distributions under
an annuity purchased from an insurance company irrevocably commence to the Participant before the Participant's required beginning date (or to the Participant's surviving spouse before the date
distributions are required to begin to the surviving spouse under Section 2.2(a) of this Amendment), the date distributions are considered to begin is the date distributions actually commence. </FONT></P>

</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>2.3</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Forms of Distribution.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless the Participant's interest is distributed in the form of an annuity purchased from an
insurance company or in a single sum on or before the required beginning date, as of the first distribution calendar year distributions will be made in accordance with Articles III and IV of this
Amendment. If the Participant's interest is distributed in the form of an annuity purchased from an insurance company, distributions thereunder will be made in accordance with the requirements of
Section 401(a)(9) of the Code and the Treasury regulations. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="me1035_article_iii_required_minimum_d__art02985"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_me1035_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE III<BR>  REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS DURING PARTICIPANT'S LIFETIME    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>3.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Amount of Required Minimum Distribution For Each Distribution Calendar Year.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the Participant's lifetime, the
minimum amount that will be distributed for each distribution calendar year is the lesser of:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>the
quotient obtained by dividing the Participant's account balance by the distribution period in the Uniform Lifetime Table set forth in Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Treasury
regulations, using the Participant's age as of the Participant's birthday in the distribution calendar year; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>if
the Participant's sole designated beneficiary for the distribution calendar year is the Participant's spouse, the quotient obtained by dividing the Participant's account balance by
the number in the Joint and Last Survivor Table set forth in Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Treasury regulations, using the Participant's and spouse's attained ages as of the Participant's and spouse's
birthdays in the distribution calendar year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>3.2</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Lifetime Required Minimum Distributions Continue Through Year of Participant's Death.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Required minimum distributions will
be determined under this Article 3 beginning with the first distribution calendar year and up to and including the distribution calendar year that includes the Participant's date of death. </FONT></DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=2,EFW="2129328",CP="WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC",DN="9",CHK=598818,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK018:[04SEA5.04SEA1035]ME1035A.;8',USER='JKEENE',CD='11-MAR-2004;17:01' -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="me1035_article_iv_required_minimum_di__art02770"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_me1035_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE IV<BR>  REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER PARTICIPANT'S DEATH    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Death On or After Date Distributions Begin.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Participant Survived by Designated Beneficiary.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the Participant dies on or after the date distributions begin and there
is a designated beneficiary, the minimum amount that will be distributed for each distribution calendar year after the year of the Participant's death is the quotient obtained by dividing the
Participant's account balance by the longer of the remaining life expectancy of the Participant or the remaining life expectancy of the Participant's designated beneficiary, determined as follows:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Participant's remaining life expectancy is calculated using the age of the Participant in the year of death, reduced by one for each subsequent year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>If
the Participant's surviving spouse is the Participant's sole designated beneficiary, the remaining life expectancy of the surviving spouse is calculated for each distribution
calendar year after the year of the Participant's death using the surviving spouse's age as of the spouse's birthday in that year. For distribution calendar years after the year of the surviving
spouse's death, the remaining life expectancy of the surviving spouse is calculated using the age of the surviving spouse as of the spouse's birthday in the calendar year of the spouse's death,
reduced by one for each subsequent calendar year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>If
the Participant's surviving spouse is not the Participant's sole designated beneficiary, the designated beneficiary's remaining life expectancy is calculated using the age of the
beneficiary in the year following the year of the Participant's death, reduced by one for each subsequent year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>No Designated Beneficiary.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the Participant dies on or after the date distributions begin and there is no designated
beneficiary as of September 30 of the year after the year of the Participant's death, the minimum amount that will be distributed for each distribution calendar year after the year of the
Participant's death is the quotient obtained by dividing the Participant's account balance by the Participant's remaining life expectancy calculated using the age of the Participant in the year of
death, reduced by one for each subsequent year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>4.2</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Death Before Date Distributions Begin.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Participant Survived by Designated Beneficiary.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except as provided in Article VI of this Amendment, if the Participant
dies before the date distributions begin and there is a designated beneficiary, the minimum amount that will be distributed for each distribution calendar year after the year of the Participant's
death is the quotient obtained by dividing the Participant's account balance by the remaining life expectancy of the Participant's designated beneficiary, determined as provided in Section 4.1 of this
Amendment.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>No Designated Beneficiary.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the Participant dies before the date distributions begin and there is no designated
beneficiary as of September 30 of the year following the year of the Participant's death, distribution of the Participant's entire interest will be completed by December 31 of the calendar year
containing the fifth anniversary of the Participant's death.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Death of Surviving Spouse Before Distributions to Surviving Spouse Are Required to Begin.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the Participant dies before
the date distributions begin, the Participant's surviving spouse is the Participant's sole designated beneficiary, and the surviving spouse dies before distributions are required to begin to the
surviving spouse under Section 2.2(a) of this Amendment, this Section 4.2 will apply as if the surviving spouse were the Participant. </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=3,EFW="2129328",CP="WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC",DN="9",CHK=762210,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK018:[04SEA5.04SEA1035]ME1035A.;8',USER='JKEENE',CD='11-MAR-2004;17:01' -->
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="me1035_article_v_definitions"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_me1035_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE V<BR>  DEFINITIONS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>5.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Designated beneficiary.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The individual who is designated as the Beneficiary under the Plan and is the designated
beneficiary under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 1.401(a)(9)-1, Q&amp;A-4, of the Treasury regulations.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>5.2</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Distribution calendar year.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A calendar year for which a minimum distribution is required. For distributions beginning
before the Participant's death, the first distribution calendar year is the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year which contains the Participant's required beginning date. For
distributions beginning after the Participant's death, the first distribution calendar year is the calendar year in which distributions are required to begin under Section 2.2 of this Amendment. The
required minimum distribution for the Participant's first distribution calendar year will be made on or before the Participant's required beginning date. The required minimum distribution for other
distribution calendar years, including the required minimum distribution for the distribution calendar year in which the Participant's required beginning date occurs, will be made on or before
December 31 of that distribution calendar year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>5.3</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Life expectancy.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Life expectancy as computed by use of the Single Life Table in Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Treasury
regulations.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>5.4</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Participant's account balance.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The account balance as of the last valuation date in the calendar year immediately
preceding the distribution calendar year (valuation calendar year) increased by the amount of any contributions made and allocated or forfeitures allocated to the account balance as of dates in the
valuation calendar year after the valuation date and decreased by distributions made in the valuation calendar year after the valuation date. The account balance for the valuation calendar year
includes any amounts rolled over or transferred to the Plan either in the valuation calendar year or in the distribution calendar year if distributed or transferred in the valuation calendar year.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>5.5</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><I>Required beginning date.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The date specified in the Plan when distributions under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue
Code are required to begin. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="me1035_article_vi_adoption_agreement_elections"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_me1035_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE VI<BR>  ADOPTION AGREEMENT ELECTIONS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>The questions in this Article VI only need to be completed in order to override the default provisions set forth below. If all of the default provisions will apply, then these
questions should be skipped.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Unless the employer elects otherwise in this Article VI, the following defaults apply: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
minimum distribution requirements are effective for distribution calendar years beginning with the 2003 calendar year unless an earlier date is specified in Section 6.1 of this
Amendment.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Participants
or beneficiaries may elect on an individual basis whether the 5-year rule or the life expectancy rule in the Plan applies to distributions after the death of a Participant
who has a designated beneficiary.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>6.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><B>Effective Date of Plan Amendment for Section 401(a)(9) Final and Temporary Treasury Regulations.</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
 Amendment applies for purposes of determining required minimum distributions for distribution calendar years beginning with the 2003 calendar year, as well as required minimum
distributions for the 2002 distribution calendar year that are made on or after
<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U> (leave blank if this Amendment does not apply to any minimum distributions
for the 2002 distribution calendar year). </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=4,SEQ=4,EFW="2129328",CP="WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC",DN="9",CHK=48316,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK018:[04SEA5.04SEA1035]ME1035A.;8',USER='JKEENE',CD='11-MAR-2004;17:01' -->
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>6.2</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><B>Election to not permit Participants or Beneficiaries to Elect 5-Year Rule.</B></FONT></DD></DL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Unless
elected below, Participants or beneficiaries may elect on an individual basis whether the 5-year rule or the life expectancy rule in Sections 2.2 and 4.2 of this Amendment applies to
distributions after the death of a Participant who has a designated beneficiary. The election must be made no later than the earlier of September 30 of the calendar year in which distribution would be
required to begin under Section 2.2 of this Amendment, or by September 30 of the calendar year which contains the fifth anniversary of the Participant's (or, if applicable, surviving spouse's) death.
If neither the Participant nor beneficiary makes an election under this paragraph, distributions will be made in accordance with
Sections 2.2 and 4.2 of this Amendment and, if applicable, the elections in Section 6.3 of this Amendment below. </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
 provision set forth above in this Section 6.2 shall not apply. Rather, Sections 2.2 and 4.2 of this Amendment shall apply except as elected in Section 6.3 of this Amendment below.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>6.3</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><B>Election to Apply 5-Year Rule to Distributions to Designated Beneficiaries.</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
 the Participant dies before distributions begin and there is a designated beneficiary, distribution to the designated beneficiary is not required to begin by the date specified in
the Plan, but the Participant's entire interest will be distributed to the designated beneficiary by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Participant's death. If
the Participant's surviving spouse is the Participant's sole designated beneficiary and the surviving spouse dies after the Participant but before distributions to either the Participant or the
surviving spouse begin, this election will apply as if the surviving spouse were the Participant. </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<UL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>If
the above is elected, then this election will apply to: </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
 distributions.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
 following
 distributions:<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U>.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>6.4</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2><B>Election to Allow Designated Beneficiary Receiving Distributions Under 5-Year Rule to Elect Life Expectancy Distributions.</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A
 designated beneficiary who is receiving payments under the 5-year rule may make a new election to receive payments under the life expectancy rule until December 31, 2003, provided
that all amounts that would have been required to be distributed under the life expectancy rule for all distribution calendar years before 2004 are distributed by the earlier of December 31, 2003 or
the end of the 5-year period. </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>This
amendment has been adopted and executed this 23rd day of December, 2003. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>COMPANY</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DARYL D. DAVID</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>Its:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2>Executive V.P.&#151;Human Resources</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=5,SEQ=5,EFW="2129328",CP="WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC",DN="9",CHK=215992,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK018:[04SEA5.04SEA1035]ME1035A.;8',USER='JKEENE',CD='11-MAR-2004;17:01' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="04SEA1034_9">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_me1035_1">Exhibit 10.7.9</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_me1035_2">ARTICLE II TIME AND MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_me1035_3">ARTICLE III REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS DURING PARTICIPANT'S LIFETIME</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_me1035_4">ARTICLE IV REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER PARTICIPANT'S DEATH</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_me1035_5">ARTICLE V DEFINITIONS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_me1035_6">ARTICLE VI ADOPTION AGREEMENT ELECTIONS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=RWORTZ,SEQ=,EFW="2129328",CP="WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC",DN="9" -->
<!-- TOCEXISTFLAG -->
</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
