[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 36 (Thursday, March 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SALUTE TO A GREAT AMERICAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 1998

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on March 25, 1998, I had the privilege of 
introducing a close friend of mine, Wayne Hitchcock, to the members of 
the House and Senate Committees on Veteran's Affairs. Wayne is the 
National Commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War and was 
appearing to present his organization's legislative priorities to the 
Committees.
  Throughout the history of the United States, in six major wars 
spanning 221 years, more than 500,000 Americans have been taken 
prisoner. Each of these courageous men and women has experienced 
horrors unimaginable and undefinable in the annals of civilized 
existence. Most endured long-term deprivation of freedom and the loss 
of human dignity. Wayne was among those 500,000 Americans, and I wanted 
to take a moment to share his story with my colleagues.
  Wayne was reared on a farm in Indiana and entered the military in 
1942. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps and sent to Aerial Gunnery 
School at Buckingham Air Base. He remained there as an instructor and 
later joined a combat crew and trained for overseas duty in B-24s.
  Upon arriving in Foggia, Italy, his crew was assigned to B-17s. 
Wayne, flying as tail gunner, was short down on his 14th mission over 
Hungary. After a few infamous box car rides, he spent 13 months in 
Stalag 17B in Krems, Austria.
  The camp was evacuated on April 8, 1945. The prisoners were marched 
across Austria and liberated on May 3, 1945 by Patton's Third Army.
  Wayne was awarded, among others, the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf, the 
European Campaign Medal with four stars and the Prisoner of War Medal.
  Upon returning home, Wayne became a homebuilder, land developer and 
real estate broker. He later returned to government service and retired 
after 30 years, including 23 years as postmaster.
  Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Jo, moved to Florida. Since 
then, they have donated their time to the American Ex-Prisoner of War. 
Wayne has held office and served on essential committees at the 
department and national level since 1982. He was also instrumental in 
obtaining funds for the National Prisoner of War Museum at 
Andersonville, Georgia.
  This past year, he served as Senior Vice Commander for the American 
Ex-POWs and as their National Legislative Chairman and Legislative 
Reporter. He was elected and installed as National Commander of the 
American Ex-Prisoners of War on September 27, 1997, at the 50th 
National Convention held in Tacoma, Washington.
  Wayne is also a life member of the VFW, the American Legion and the 
DAV. His service to the community goes beyond his work for our nation's 
veterans. He also served as a Boy Scout master for 20 years and is a 40 
year member of Lions International.
  I have known Wayne and Jo since I became a member of Congress. 
Without question, they are among the finest people that I know.
  Over the years, Wayne has served as a member of my veteran's advisory 
council. As a member of the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs, I 
have always valued his advice and support. He is a good friend and a 
great American.

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