[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 55 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E776-E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE ``RUPTURED DUCK'' GETS A RIDE ON THE SPACE SHUTTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 6, 1998

  Mr. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Kitty Kelly, 
a constituent from Livermore, California and the daughter of Mr. 
Wilfred John Kelly, who was an Electricians Mate Second Class in the 
United States Coast Guard.
  Mr. Wilfred Kelly entered into military service in July of 1942 at a 
time when our country was in terrible conflict. He joined the U.S. 
Coast Guard, served abroad the USS Gloucester, and was Honorably 
Discharged from service in 1946. Upon leaving active duty, Mr. Kelly 
was awarded the Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin, nicknamed the ``Ruptured 
Duck'', as recognition for his honorable service. The ``Ruptured Duck'' 
is awarded to all members of the U.S. Coast Guard who have served with 
honor and distinction, and who have been discharged honorably.
  Mr. Kelly always had a great respect and personal admiration for the 
space industry. He believed in the necessity of space exploration and 
was fascinated by our country's ability to expand its pioneering spirit 
into the reaches of outer space. Sadly, Mr. Kelly passed away on

[[Page E777]]

May 28, 1995 and carried with him his admiration for space exploration. 
Ms. Kelly contacted my office requesting assistance in immortalizing 
her father's memory. She asked that I contact NASA Operations and 
forward her request to have her father's lapel pin flown on the space 
shuttle. After a month of corresponding between NASA and my office, the 
dream of Ms. Kelly and her father was about to be realized.
  On April 17, 1998 the Space Shuttle Columbia launched from NASA's 
Kennedy Space Center and on board was Mr. Kelly's lapel pin. Space 
Shuttle Commander Richard Searfoss agreed to carry the pin in his 
personal affects bag. Upon return of the shuttle, Mr. Kelly's pin will 
be returned to the family with a lasting memorial to Mr. Wilfred Kelly.
  The opportunity to facilitate such a rare privilege is one that I 
will cherish as a Member of this distinguished body.

                          ____________________