[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1908-E1909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO MAJ. BRYAN A. KNIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 1997

  Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of an American pilot 
whose quick thinking, skill, and tremendous courage saved hundreds of 
my constituents' lives.
  On September 14, 1997, Maj. Bryan A. Knight, flying his F-117A 
fighter, participated in the Middle River air show near the Martin 
State airport. As he commenced his flyby, part of the plane's wing came 
off, causing the aircraft to spin helplessly in the air. As the plane 
began to disintegrate around him, Major Knight--demonstrating the 
excellent training and instincts every pilot must have--stayed with the 
plane until he has steered it away from the throng of spectators on the 
ground. He ejected at the last possible moment, only about 1,000 feet 
from the ground. While the crash caused some property damage, no one 
was injured or killed.
  Major Knight, who holds a degree in mathematics from the University 
of Texas, earned his pilot's wings on April 1, 1987. He is currently 
assigned to the 7th fighter squadron as an instructor pilot. His 
decorations include

[[Page E1909]]

three Air Force commendation medals, three Air Force achievement 
medals, and the National Defense Service Medal. He is a senior pilot 
with over 2,700 hours of flight time, 500 of them in the F-117.
  Mr. Speaker, though there is every indication that Major Knight's 
actions before and after the incident were exemplary, it is to his 
credit that he still feels sorrow and regret for the families whose 
homes were damaged in the incident. Just recently, he revisited the 
crash site to survey the wreckage and visit with some of the impacted 
families. During his visit, he encountered a woman who had come to his 
aid after the crash. In a quiet, poignant gesture of thanks, he 
presented her with his flight suit name tag.
  Mr. Speaker, many citizens of Middle River owe Major Knight their own 
debt of gratitude. His piloting skills and selfless concern for others 
prevented an unfortunate accident from becoming a tragedy. He 
epitomizes the very best qualities all our men and women in uniform 
should have. I am pleased and honored to give him the recognition he so 
richly deserves.

                          ____________________