[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 113 (Thursday, September 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 352ND FIGHTER GROUP, THE BLUE NOSED BASTARDS OF BOSNEY

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                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2000

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a special group of 
World War II veterans.
  The 352nd fighter group, known as the Blue Nosed Bastards of Bosney, 
was named for the farm land where they were based and the bright blue 
paint on the cowling of each of their P-51 Mustangs. The primary 
purpose of the fighter group was to escort bombers across the English 
Channel to France and Germany (and eventually Berlin) where they bombed 
the Germans relentlessly. Once the bombers had completed their missions 
and returned to base, the 352nd would attack various military targets 
before returning home. The fighter group also participated in D-Day by 
neutralizing the German Air Force before the invasion and then 
providing cover for the Allies during the invasion.
  Since the end of World War II, the brave men of the 352nd fighter 
group have reunited every year somewhere in the United States. This 
year will be their 50th reunion which is being held in Richmond, 
Virginia. It will also be their last reunion. This historic reunion was 
brought to my attention by Howard Polin, a corporal in the Army 
Aircorp, who served on the ground crew with the 352nd fighter group in 
England from December 7, 1942 until February 4, 1946.
  I want to take this opportunity to salute the men of the 352nd 
fighter group. They, along with the millions of young men and women who 
served our country in uniform during World War II, served side by side 
to restore the peace and the freedom to those overwhelmed by tyranny.
  Americans of all religions, of all races, and of diverse political 
philosophies, came together on the battlefield and on the homefront, 
helping to extinguish the flames of oppression and the evil that 
infected mankind throughout the world. America provided a beacon of 
hope in a dark sea of despair.
  We must never forget those brave men and women who served in the war 
that changed our future. Since they have returned home, they have 
faithfully served this country with dignity and with strengthened 
character. They have all helped to create the single greatest country 
on the face of the earth and have altered, for the better, the future 
of mankind, both at home and abroad.
  America can never fully repay her veterans. However, we can honor 
these courageous individuals by treasuring the freedom they preserved.
  Mr. Speaker, the men of the 352nd fighter group all answered the call 
to duty when their country needed them. They are true American heroes.

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