[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO ALABAMA AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TERRY EVERETT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 16, 1997

  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, today, four residents of the second 
congressional district will be inducted into the Alabama Aviation Hall 
of Fame. Alabama holds a special place in the history of aviation as 
the site of the world's first flight school. These distinguished 
Americans occupy a special place in the Aviation Hall of Fame due to 
their valor and intrepid mastery of the skies.
  William R. Lawley, Jr., colonel, USAF retired, of Montgomery earned 
his position in aviation history for his courage under fire as a B-17 
bomber pilot in World War II. His bravery and loyalty to a wounded 
comrade enabled him to stay with his aircraft in the face of an 
overwhelming enemy attack. For his meritorious service, he received the 
Medal of Honor for Heroism.
  N. Floyd McGowin, Jr., of Chapman served his nation in the Marine 
Corps and Reserve in the 1950's. An expert in forest management, he 
pioneered a technique for aerial mapping of forests. McGowin is a lover 
of flying, beginning at the age of 16. To date, he has logged 13,000 
hours in at least 58 aircraft, and currently manages McGowin Field, in 
Chapman.
  Michael J. Novosel, chief warrant officer, USA retired, of Enterprise 
is well known to the Army aviation community in the Wiregrass for his 
brave helicopter rescue of 29 American soldiers while under a hail of 
enemy fire in Vietnam. This risk of his own life earned him the Medal 
of Honor for Heroism. Novosel shepherded more than 5,500 soldiers to 
safety while a medical evacuation pilot in Vietnam. His remarkable 
military and aviation career extends 44 years including service as a B-
29 bomber pilot in World War II.
  William S. Wilson, Jr., of Dothan began his aviation experience as a 
cadet in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1918. He served as an executive 
officer in the 96th Bomber Squadron at Langley Field, VA. Wilson was 
among the first pilots to fly crosscountry at night in formation, and 
he was a flight instructor to Carl Ben Eielson, the first pilot to fly 
across the Arctic Ocean in 1928.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these fine Alabamians for their 
achievements as pillars of the aviation community. They are true 
patriots.

                          ____________________