[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MARINE COL. ROBERT OVERMYER

                                 ______


                           HON. SHERROD BROWN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 1996

  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of a tragic 
loss that the people of the 13th District of Ohio, and the entire 
Nation, recently suffered.
  Marine Col. Robert Overmyer, born in Lorain, OH, died last month 
while bravely working as a test pilot. The prototype plane he was 
flying lost control and crashed before he could eject. His sacrifice, 
made while insuring the safety of others, will not be forgotten.
  Colonel Overmyer was a true American hero and served his country with 
great pride for almost 40 years, both as a Marine and a celebrated 
astronaut. He worked on the Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory 
Program, served as a NASA astronaut on the Apollo 17 mission, and more 
recently commanded the 1985 Space Shuttle Challenger mission.
  Colonel Overmyer grew up Westlake, OH, near Cleveland Hopkins 
Airport. His love of flying was born while watching planes take off and 
land at that airport. He never forgot his roots in Ohio, and always 
found the time to give back to his childhood community. He returned 
several times to speak to students and adults about the role of the 
military and future of the American space program.
  Colonel Overmyer will be remembered not only by his family and 
friends, but by all Americans for his dedicated service to our country. 
I thank you, Colonel Overmyer, for giving the most while you were with 
us. You will be missed.

                          ____________________