[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CAPT. JOHN WILLIAM KENNEDY

 Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, today, at Arlington National 
Cemetery, the remains of Capt. John William Kennedy, U.S. Air Force, 
will be laid to rest with full military honors. Captain Kennedy's 
mother, brother, relatives and friends will join a grateful Nation in 
paying final tribute to a courageous American who gave his life for his 
country.
  This day and this ceremony are long overdue, Mr. President, because 
Captain Kennedy lost his life over the Quangtin Province of the 
Republic of Vietnam. Though his family was told he was missing in 
action on August l6, l97l, he was not confirmed killed in action until 
May l996.
  Mr. President, this brings back sad memories for me, because during 
my own time in Vietnam, families of many of the young men who served 
under my command received word that their loved ones would not be 
coming home. But as difficult as this notification was, it was even 
more difficult for the families who could not learn with certainty the 
fate of their loved ones. The most painful ordeal was ultimately the 
seemingly endless uncertainty of MIA families.
  With mixed emotions, I note that the terrible ordeal of the Kennedy 
family of Arlington, VA, is at last resolved. A sorrowful peace has 
finally been found.
  So I rise today, Mr. President, to honor the service rendered to our 
country by Capt. John William Kennedy.
  Captain Kennedy was serving as a forward air controller with the 20th 
Tactical Air Support Squadron based in Chu Lai. On August 16, 1971, 
Captain Kennedy failed to check in during normal radio checks while 
flying a visual reconnaissance mission over the Quangtin Province. He 
was listed as missing in action until July 1978, when his status was 
changed to presumed killed in action. Finally, in May of this year, 
after using new DNA identification techniques, Captain Kennedy's family 
was notified that his remains have been recovered for burial.
  Captain Kennedy graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 
l969 and then joined the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from pilot 
training in October 1970, where he was first in his class and was 
awarded the Undergraduate Pilot Training Office Training Award. He then 
reported to O-2A pilot training, and from there was assigned to the 
20th Tactical Air Support Squadron in South Vietnam. He was serving 
there when his plane disappeared.
  Captain Kennedy's awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the 
Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the National 
Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of 
Vietnam Campaign Medal.
  Mr. President, Captain Kennedy's distinguished service to his country 
clearly represents the very best of America. I believe I can speak for 
my colleagues in the U.S. Senate when I pay tribute to his service 
today--and when I convey our gratitude to his family for sharing their 
exceptional son with us.

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