[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 10 (Thursday, January 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GEN. CONRAD F. ``NICK'' NECRASON

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, our Nation lost one of the genuine heroes 
of World War II, a man who went on to a distinguished second career in 
Alaska, when Maj. Gen. Conrad F. ``Nick'' Necrason died this last 
month.
  He was the recipient of the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, and the 
Distinguished Flying Cross. He also received our State of Alaska's 
highest military award, the Legion of Merit.
  He began his career at West Point. After his 1936 graduation, he went 
on to flying school, earning his wings in the Army Air Corps the next 
year.
  When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, General Necrason was flying 
to Pearl Harbor as part of a bomber squadron. He loved to tell the 
story of how he had to land on a golf course during the battle--the 
attack of the Japanese on Hawaii.
  During World War II, General Necrason flew 360 air combat hours, and 
was recognized for developing low-level bombing techniques. He flew a 
whole variety of aircraft, most notably P-38 fighters and B-17 bombers. 
In 1943, he was wounded in action over Burma.
  A few years later, he flew bombers during the Korean conflict.
  General Necrason came to Alaska at an exciting time, just as 
statehood dawned, and was commander of the Alaskan Air Command at 
Elmendorf Air Force Base from 1958 to 1961.
  After retirement in 1965, he became Alaska's Adjutant General and 
commander of the National Guard, serving from 1967 through 1972, and 
again from 1974 to 1982.
  During those years, he effected a successful restructuring of the 
Alaska Army National Guard and the Alaska Air National Guard.
  He brought the great workhorses of the air, C-130's, into service in 
Alaska, expanded our Eskimo scout contingent by establishing training 
programs for women, and led the guard in helping Alaska and Alaskans 
through floods and other natural disasters.
  While many describe him as a soldier's soldier, Nick Necrason was 
equally as well-liked and at home in the civilian community.
  He was known for his skill at bridge and at poker, and with his wife, 
Myrle, who survives him, as a gracious host, welcoming people from all 
parts of our State and our world to their home.
  General Necrason's heroism during combat, his distinguished peacetime 
career, and his contributions to Alaska will not be forgotten. We 
extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Myrle, daughters Ginger and 
Sandy, and his grandchildren.
  Thank you, Mr. President.

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