[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN--TRUE AMERICAN HEROES

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 1996

  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate Black History 
Month, I would like my colleagues here in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me in saluting three true American heroes who 
will be honored at a special ceremony in New Jersey on February 22.
  On that date, as part of the County of Essex African Heritage Month 
celebration, a tribute will be paid to three Tuskegee Airmen--George 
Wanamaker, Howard L. Bragg, and George Watson, Jr.
  These three men earned a place in history through their heroic 
actions during World War II when they served with the Tuskegee Airmen, 
African-American combat pilots who flew over 1,500 combat missions and 
shot down more than 400 enemy aircraft.
  Sadly, in the segregated society of that era, these war heroes were 
not able to enjoy the full rights accorded to other citizens when they 
returned home to the United States. Through their struggles on foreign 
soil and at home, they remained determined, courageous, and dignified. 
Today, they continue to be involved in the betterment of their 
communities.
  Their story was the subject of a theatrical production at Ford's 
Theater in Washington, DC, as well as a television movie which was 
recently aired.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in expressing our 
appreciation to these men of unsurpassed bravery and patriotism who put 
their lives on the line overseas and confronted racial injustice at 
home. We recognize their sacrifice and honor them for their service to 
our country.

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