[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               TRIBUTE TO WORLD WAR II HERO GEORGE H. GAY

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute 
today to George H. Gay, Jr., a World War II hero and a good personal 
friend, who passed away October 21, 1994, in Marietta, GA. He was 77 
years old.
  George Gay was one of the great American heroes of World War II. As a 
25-year-old Navy pilot, George flew a Douglas Devastator torpedo plane 
in an attack on Japanese warships near Midway Island on June 4, 1942. 
All the planes in his squadron were shot down, and he was the only one 
of 30 men to survive.
  The valor of the pilots of Torpedo Squadron 8 cleared the way for an 
attack by American dive bombers that eventually resulted in victory. 
Wounded and wearing a life jacket, George watched the American dive 
bombers hurtle out of clouds to attack Japanese aircraft carriers. He 
cheered every hit. He will always be remembered as the sole survivor of 
Torpedo Squadron 8--shot down during the battle of Midway--a battle 
that turned the tide against the Japanese during World War II.
  After he was rescued by American forces, George made personal 
appearances for the Navy. Following the war, he was a Trans-World 
Airlines pilot and also spoke to civic groups around the country, 
telling of his Midway experiences and calling for greater military 
preparedness.
  In 1975 George was a consultant for the movie, ``Midway.'' He toured 
the country with the film's stars, Charlton Heston and Henry Fonda, to 
promote the film. His part in the movie was portrayed by Kevin Dobson.
  George had a self-deprecating humor about his part in the war. As 
George used to say to me, he and I were ``nasal radiators'' in the 
War--rather than naval aviators. He was also always proud that he was a 
Texan. He once told me during a mid-1980's visit to Tyler, TX, ``Ralph, 
don't ever ask anyone where they are from. If they are from Texas, they 
will tell you. If they aren't, there's no use in embarrassing them.''
  George was a native of Waco, TX, before eventually moving to 
Marietta. He is survived by his wife, Esther, and two children. George 
will be remembered and missed by his many friends and his family, and 
his heroism in World War II will be remembered forever in the history 
books. I am proud to have been his friend.
  As the House adjourns today, let us do so in loving memory and 
everlasting respect for the late Ensign Gay of Torpedo Squadron 8.

                          ____________________