[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 16, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H7289-H7291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING AMERICAN AIRMEN HELD POLITICAL PRISONERS AT BUCHENWALD

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 95) recognizing and commending 
American airmen held as political prisoners at the Buchenwald 
concentration camp during World War II for their service, bravery, and 
fortitude.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 95

       Whereas 168 Allied airmen captured by Axis forces during 
     World War II were held as political prisoners at the 
     Buchenwald concentration camp in Weimar, Germany;
       Whereas of these captured airmen, 82 were Americans, 26 
     were Canadians, 48 were Britons, 9 were Australians, 2 were 
     New Zealanders, and 1 was Jamaican;
       Whereas the facts and circumstances of their confinement 
     are amply documented in the official records maintained by 
     the National Archives and Records Administration;
       Whereas a report from the International Red Cross 
     concerning Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Germany, mentioned six 
     American airmen held at Buchenwald, including one whose name 
     does not appear on the lists maintained by the National 
     Archives;
       Whereas since the liberation of Buchenwald in 1945 numerous 
     personal memoirs, scholarly books, and articles have been 
     published describing the conditions at the concentration 
     camp;
       Whereas this extensive documentation records the 
     extraordinarily inhuman treatment, deprivations, and personal 
     suffering inflicted on these 168 Allied airmen and other 
     inmates at Buchenwald; and
       Whereas Allied Governments and veterans organizations 
     outside the United States have granted special recognition to 
     their citizens and servicemembers who were here as political 
     prisoners in World War II concentration camps: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) recognizes and commends the 82 American airmen held as 
     political prisoners at the Buchenwald concentration camp 
     during World War II for their faithful service, personal 
     bravery, and exceptional fortitude; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     recognizing and commending, by name, the service, bravery, 
     and fortitude of those airman.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida [Mr. Mica] and the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Cummings] each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Mica].

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, today the House has an opportunity to recognize the 
valor and sacrifices of 82 Americans who have earned the gratitude of 
our Nation. We often speak in this House of the debt that our Nation 
owes to the many men and women who have served our Armed Forces in 
defense of this country and its values.
  The story of these 82 American airmen forcefully reminds us of the 
price that others have had to pay to preserve our freedom. These men 
were held as political prisoners at the notorious Buchenwald 
concentration camp.
  Unlike other American prisoners of war, they were not entitled to the 
protections of the Geneva Convention. The unspeakable horrors of 
Buchenwald are well-known, but the ordeal of these men and what they 
experienced is not known.
  For 52 years, this Government has not formally recognized the bravery 
and loyalty of these 82 airmen. This resolution, which is sponsored by 
my distinguished colleague and good friend, the gentleman from Florida 
[Mr. Weldon] and also has the support of the gentleman from Florida 
[Mr. Deutsch], my equally good friend and colleague, will provide 
public recognition that these men have earned, and it is so long 
overdue.
  But the resolution will do more than that, Mr. Speaker. It will also 
educate Members of Congress and preserve for the American people the 
story, the history, and the bravery of these 82 heroic individuals.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 1997, Representatives Weldon and Deutsch 
introduced bipartisan legislation, House Concurrent Resolution 95, to 
officially honor the only U.S. servicemen to be held prisoner in a 
concentration camp.
  I am delighted that the chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service 
[Mr. Mica] and I have been able to quickly bring this bill to the floor 
for

[[Page H7290]]

the consideration of Members. I strongly support House Concurrent 
Resolution 95 and urge its immediate passage so that this body might go 
on record as commending 82 brave United States airmen who were held at 
the Buchenwald concentration camp in Weimar, Germany, during World War 
II.
  These men shared a unique and painful experience that no other 
American servicemen have endured. A total of 168 allied airmen were 
captured and held at Buchenwald, and allied governments in other parts 
of the world have already bestowed special recognition upon these 
servicemen.
  The deplorable conditions, inhumane treatment, and personal suffering 
of the 82 American servicemen must not go unrecognized by our Nation 
any longer.
  Though more than 50 years have passed since the liberation of the 
Buchenwald concentration camp, the appreciation due these men for their 
bravery, service, and unique sacrifice, is as considerable today as it 
was in 1945 when the camp was liberated.
  It is perhaps even more momentous because it is so long overdue. 
Tragically, some of these men can no longer be located and informed of 
this legislation. Thirty-three of them are now deceased. It is my hope 
that the news of our action here today, our official recognition of 
their service, reaches all who survive, those who have passed on, and 
all of their families, so that they might know what has finally 
transpired here this day.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully urge this entire body to join me in 
support of this important resolution so that all 82 Americans held at 
Buchenwald concentration camp may receive the honor they have for so 
long deserved.
  Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Florida [Mr. Weldon], the sponsor of this 
important legislation. I want to thank the gentleman for bringing the 
sacrifices of these airmen to the attention of the Congress and to the 
American people.
  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague the gentleman from Florida 
[Mr. Mica] and the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Cummings], my good 
friend, for bringing my bill to the floor today.
  I also want to thank the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton], the 
chairman of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, for 
allowing the bill to be considered in such a timely fashion. I also, in 
addition, want to thank my very good friend, the gentleman from Florida 
[Mr. Deutsch] for working with me on this important bipartisan effort.
  Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 95 is a simple bill. It does 
not spend any money, it does not change any regulations, it does not 
affect any Federal agencies. But this is an important bill, Mr. 
Speaker, because it recognizes a unique group of soldiers who fought 
for this country during World War II. Beside me on my left we can see, 
of those who are remaining and still alive, a picture of them gathered 
at a meeting.
  Now, lots of men and women sacrificed on behalf of our country in 
World War II. What makes this group so special?
  They were not the only members of the United States military to 
serve, but they were the only ones to be held in a Nazi concentration 
camp. Those horrible camps will forever occupy a dark place in human 
history, and we have long recognized the bravery and daring of many 
prisoners who fought their Nazi oppressors and struggled to win 
political and religious freedom.
  But, tragically, we have never formally recognized these men for 
their service, sacrifice, and suffering. My attention was first drawn 
to their situation when they held a reunion in Melbourne, FL, which is 
in my district. After talking with Bill Williams, the leader of this 
group, who lives in Lake Placid, FL, I learned that both Sonny 
Montgomery and Tim Hutchinson had championed this bill when they served 
in the House, and I was determined to complete their work.
  When these 82 airmen were shot down, they were captured in civilian 
clothing and were sent to Buchenwald concentration camp as spies and as 
criminals. But when our soldiers were sent to a concentration camp 
instead of a POW camp, they were considered political prisoners, and 
therefore not subject to the fundamental protections of the Geneva 
Convention.
  My bill simply recognizes their unique service and asks the President 
to do the same by issuing a proclamation commending them. Other allied 
airmen were also held at Buchenwald, and their countries have 
recognized their service. So it seems fitting that we do so as well.
  Senators Tim Hutchinson and Joseph Lieberman have introduced similar 
legislation in the other body, and I hope this year that both Chambers 
can pass these bills and give these men the recognition that has been 
half a century waiting in coming.
  The saga of the airmen is recounted by Mitchell Bard in ``Forgotten 
Victims--The Abandonment of Americans in Hitler's Camps.'' His book 
details the horror these men suffered, the violent beatings, the days 
in solitary confinement, the malnutrition, the freezing temperatures, 
the sleep deprivation, the medical experimentation. We must never 
forget their sacrifices for freedom around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, today's consideration of this bill is also very timely. 
Just a few weeks ago, the Department of Justice concluded years of 
negotiations with Germany regarding reparations for these soldiers and 
other American civilians held in Nazi concentration and labor camps. I 
am pleased to report that the negotiations were highly successful and 
all of the United States soldiers held in Buchenwald are going to be 
compensated by Germany for their cruel and inhumane imprisonment. I 
commend the Justice Department for successfully closing out the 
settlement.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit for the Record a note 
from former President George Bush. President Bush wrote a warm note of 
greeting to these men when they met in Melbourne last year, and I want 
to include it as part of the Record for today's floor action.

                                                   March 10, 1997.
       I am delighted to send warm greetings to all gathered in 
     Melbourne for this special reunion of American World War II 
     veterans.
       Present at this remarkable gathering this week are men who 
     represented the best of the American spirit during a time of 
     tremendous peril. Like so many others, you answered the call 
     to duty and turned back a threatening tide of tyranny looming 
     over Europe--and those who live there today in freedom are 
     indebted to you for your sacrifices and selfless service. So 
     as you fellow old-timers come together to renew friendships 
     and recall lost comrades, I am honored to join in saluting 
     you, doing so with the hope that you know your Nation 
     respects you and is grateful to each of you.
                                                      George Bush.

  House concurrent resolution 95 is endorsed by the American Ex-
prisoners of War and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to support this important 
bill. By passing this bill today, those veterans still living and the 
families and friends of those who have passed on can fully realize the 
public recognition these brave men so rightly deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank again my colleagues from Maryland and Florida.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the 
distinguished gentleman from Florida [Mr. Weldon], the primary sponsor 
of this legislation, and also the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Deutsch] 
for their timeliness in bringing this legislation before the House. I 
congratulate them for their fine efforts to provide these brave men 
with a public expression of gratitude and recognition from this 
Congress, which they so richly deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to take a moment and also thank the 
gentleman who is not with us, but who served with such a distinguished 
career in the House, Mr. Sonny Montgomery, who was referred to by my 
colleague from Florida. He did attempt to bring this matter before the 
House, and he does deserve credit and recognition on this day as we do 
pass this legislation long overdue.
  I also want to take a moment to thank the gentleman from Maryland 
[Mr. Cummings], the distinguished ranking member of the Subcommittee on 
Civil Service, for his assistance on

[[Page H7291]]

this matter. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the 
gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton], the chairman of the Committee on 
House Government Reform and Oversight, and the gentleman from 
California [Mr. Waxman], the ranking member, for their leadership and 
helping to expedite consideration of this matter before the House.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution asks the President to issue a 
proclamation recognizing and commending each of these 82 men by name 
for their service, their bravery, and their fortitude. In good 
conscience we can do no less.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote for this long overdue 
resolution.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution 
offered by the gentleman from Florida. The history of mankind has shown 
us much about human nature. In World War Two, we faced an evil so 
unprecedented in its inhumanity we refer to those actions today as 
``atrocities'' and as ``crimes against mankind.'' The Nazi regime 
inflicted many injuries against the world, some of which were still 
struggling to heal. Let us take a step in a forward manner today and 
give our support in honoring a special group of American defenders who 
were witness to this terrible regime.
  The 82 American airmen captured and interred at the Buchenwald 
concentration camp must be commended. In the service of their nation, 
they were forced to suffer at the hands of a vile enemy.
  The suffering and sacrifice of these Americans cannot be forgotten. 
It was because of them and the Allied forces that we are in a position 
today to take preventive measures against such an occurrence ever 
happening again.
  As much as some people wish to deny history, this event was real. A 
Holocaust took place. These 82 soldiers not only became prisoners, they 
became witnesses and messengers who could share with us firsthand this 
terrible event so that we might understand and learn from the tragic 
mistakes of the past.
  To let this moment pass us by without action by this body would cast 
a pall on the memory of these valiant, selfless men. We have learned of 
the terrible circumstances at the concentration camps. We have 
previously honored innocent civilian victims of these camps. Some of 
those people were our friends and family members, and many were people 
we did not know. Now we have the opportunity to bestow proper honor and 
recognition of those service men who were fighting on our behalf. And 
who ended up in the Buchenwald concentration camp. I urge all of my 
colleagues to join together and support his admirable resolution.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Mica] that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, House Concurrent 
Resolution 95.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5, rule I, and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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