[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 7 (Wednesday, February 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E58]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING DONALD R. D'AMICO, WINNER OF THE AMERICAN CENTURY AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor a 
winner of the American Century Award, Ronald R. D'Amico, Retired 
Colonel of the United States Air Force.
  Colonel D'Amico served in the USAF for nearly 30 years, most of which 
were as a combat and fighter pilot. He flew 129 combat missions during 
the Korean War and over 100 missions in Vietnam during three tours of 
duty. Colonel D'Amico was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses for 
heroism, two Purple Hearts, and thirteen Air Medals among a total of 50 
awards and decorations.
  Colonel D'Amico also displayed a quality of character that makes us 
all proud to be Americans. During the Korean conflict, Don used some of 
his spare time to help an orphanage for Korean children. He would 
gather milk that the soldiers would not drink and take it to the 
orphanage along with other supplies, some of which were donated and 
mailed from his parents' church in Rochester, New York. Even now, Don 
keeps pictures of the children he helped.
  During the Vietnam Conflict, Don nearly lost his life after being 
shot down during an attack on a heavily fortified enemy position. 
Fortunately, he and his crew were rescued and after nine months in the 
hospital, Don returned for two more tours of duty.
  Since retiring from the Air Force in 1977, Don continues to be 
involved with issues and community service. In the 1980's, he 
volunteered with a variety of organizations that worked to educate 
America about the dangers of Communism. In 1989, he joined the Board of 
Directors of Street-Smart Inc., a program helping inner-city youth 
avoid the dangers of gang involvement. In 1990, Street-Smart was 
recognized by President Bush as one of the ``Thousand Points of 
Light''.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to honor Donald R. 
D'Amico, American Century Award Winner. He risked his life in defense 
of freedom and still gives selflessly to his country and community.

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