[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E74]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATING GENERAL LUCIUS D. CLAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NEWT GINGRICH

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, today Congressman Barr and I introduced a 
House Resolution to commemorate and honor fellow Georgian General 
Lucius D. Clay, the United States Military Governor of Germany and 
Commander of the US Forces in Europe following the end of World War II.
  Born in Marietta, Georgia in 1897, Clay's Southern heritage 
influenced his ideology and policy throughout his life and military 
career. General Clay's impressive military career began in the 1930's 
as a military engineer. He soon established himself a highly competent, 
willful and vigorous man with a exceptional understanding of the 
purpose of government. General Clay's impressive role in US Military 
affairs in Europe and more specifically in Germany are marked not only 
by his military prowess but also by his humanitarian efforts to protect 
all men and women regardless of their military allegiance and ideology.
  The Russian motivated Berlin Blockade, which halted all freight, 
passenger, water and food supply traffic to Berlin, began June 24, 
1948. On June 26, 1948, the United States, under General Clay's 
leadership, began the Berlin Airlift that provided the German people 
with the necessary supplies for day-to-day existence. The Airlift 
continued for 328 days until May 12, 1949 when the Russians ended the 
blockade.
  We are very pleased to honor the prominent role General Lucius Clay 
played in implementing the Berlin Airlift and in shaping post-WWII 
Europe. Issuing a postage stamp would be a first step in appropriately 
recognizing General Clay's role in history.

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