[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. CARL F. EIFLER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 1996

  Mr. FARR, of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a man who has not only served his country as a U.S. Army colonel but 
his community, in Monterey County, CA, for the past 75 years. Dr.Carl 
F. Eifler is a living legend who is today celebrating his 90th 
birthday.
  Dr. Eifler has led a distinguished life. He joined the Army in 1922 
at 15, but was honorably discharged 2 years later when his age was 
discovered. Eifler later reenlisted with the Army Reserves. His service 
during WWII was unmatched. He was the commander of the first special 
agents to operate behind enemy lines, and participated in a number of 
heroic acts. The developer of training techniques still in use to this 
day, Eifler helped save more than 200 downed airmen, transported the 
first captured Japanese pilot from enemy territory and led a special 
team whose mission was to kidnap a prominent German scientist working 
on development of the atomic bomb for his country--though the plan was 
abandoned when the United States invented its own atomic bomb. In 1943, 
Eifler was successful in rescuing nine survivors from a crashed B-24 
bomber, after taking over an unarmed patrol boat no less.
  Eifler's daring WWII rescues have earned him numerous honors. He was 
awarded a Purple Heart, inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of 
Fame, and presented with the William Donovan Award by the Veterans of 
the Office of Strategic Services, whose previous recipients include 
Ronald Reagan and George Bush. And most recently, Eifler was 
recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
  Due to an injury sustained in the line of duty, Eifler retired in 
1947. However, his postwar achievements are worthy of praised as well. 
He went on to earn a bachelor of divinity degree and a doctorate in 
psychology. Following, Eifler served as chief psychologist for the 
Monterey Department of Public Health in the mental health division from 
1964-73.
  The above lists of accomplishments which Dr. Eifler has attained are 
only part of the reason for this tribute to an exceptional man. His 
outstanding heroism, leadership, and lifetime dedication are truly 
admirable and are the main reasons we recognize him today, on his 90th 
birthday. I know I am speaking for all of my constituents when I say 
that we are lucky to have benefited from Dr. Eifler's service to his 
country.

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