[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 51 (Tuesday, May 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   A TRIBUTE TO CLINCH HEYWARD BELSER

                                 ______


                          HON. BUTLER DERRICK

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 1994

  Mr. DERRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
recently deceased Mr. Clinch Heyward Belser. Mr. Belser was a man of 
immense integrity who served the people of South Carolina with 
unwavering dedication.
  In 1939, Mr. Belser enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard and 
was called to active military duty in 1940. During World War II he 
primarily served in the Army Air Corps and he earned the Distinguished 
Flying Cross and several air medals for his service. With unflagging 
devotion he continued to serve his country until his retirement from 
the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1960.
  Mr. Belser graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of South 
Carolina's masters degree program and then did postgraduate work at the 
University of Chicago. He received his law degree from Yale University 
Law School. From 1948 to 1953 Mr. Belser practiced law in Washington, 
DC, New York City, and in Columbia, SC, thereafter. From 1958 to 1970, 
Mr. Belser served in the South Carolina General Assembly as a 
representative from Richland County. He was chairman of the house 
judiciary committee from 1965 to 1970. From 1985 to 1990, Mr. Belser 
was general counsel for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina.
  Mr. Belser was always willing to address the challenging and complex 
issues of the day. In the mid-1960's Mr. Belser led the movement for 
education reform in the State of South Carolina. His recommendations 
for the reform of education laid the important foundation necessary for 
the Educational Improvement Act two decades later. Mr. Belser was an 
example of a strong and courageous leader in the State legislature.
  Mr. Belser led a rich and full life. He not only served the citizens 
of the State in the legislature but he also enjoyed a successful law 
practice. Personal friends knew Mr. Belser as a man of immense 
integrity deserving of recognition. I ask my colleagues to join me 
today in posthumously commending Mr. Belser for his excellent service 
to the State of South Carolina and to the Nation.

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