[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN MEMORY OF JOHN C. TOWLE, CAPTAIN U.S. AIR FORCE

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, November 8, 1995

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Air Force Capt. 
John C. Towle who will be laid to rest with full military honors on 
Wednesday, November 8, 1995 at Arlington National Cemetery. John was 
born January 9, 1943, in Harrisburg, IL, to a loving family. He grew up 
will all the hopes and dreams of any young boy. I am sure like many 
youngsters he played typical childhood games and perhaps he even played 
soldiers; unaware of his ultimate destiny. He played in the school band 
and was active in his church and community. In 1961, he graduated from 
Harrisburg High School. He went on to attend Murray State University in 
Kentucky, where he was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.
  In 1968, upon graduating from college, John decided to further 
advance his military service and assist his country with the peace 
efforts in Southeast Asia. He proudly accepted a commission as an 
officer in the U.S. Air Force.
  As a copilot during the height of the Vietnam conflict, John 
dedicated his life to advancing the cause of freedom around the world. 
Tragically, John's aircraft was shot down over hostile territory in 
Laos on April 22, 1970. John and 11 of his fellow crew members were 
listed as missing in action for 8 years until U.S. officials concluded 
that they had been killed in action. On September 1, 1995, the Armed 
Forces Identification Review Board was able to properly identify John 
C. Towle and his fellow crew mates, thus officially listing these 
honorable servicemen as killed in action while in the service of their 
country.
  Today, 25 years after John disappeared from the skies over Southeast 
Asia, I join with his family and friends in bringing him to his final 
resting place. Arlington National Cemetery is a monument to the men and 
women who paid the ultimate price in order to preserve our freedom, and 
help bring the light of liberty to others around the world. The loss of 
John's cheerful and positive being was untimely and painful to those 
who cherished him. It is my hope that his return to American soil will 
bring his family and friends the peace they have long awaited.

                          ____________________