[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 115 (Monday, September 25, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S9189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING NELSON LAGENDYK

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to publicly commend 
Nelson Lagendyk of Avon, South Dakota on being inducted into the South 
Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame Combat Wing for his contributions to both 
state and national aviation.
  Mr. Lagendyk enlisted in the Air Force in June 1941 where he became a 
squadron clerk and joined the all volunteer glider program. His 
outstanding aviation skills led to his promotion to staff sergeant and 
a transfer to Lubbock, Texas for glider combat training. Once in Texas, 
Nelson was again promoted, this time to the position of Flight Officer. 
Following his new promotion, he then traveled to Louisville, Kentucky 
for continued training in preparation of his flight to Europe.
  Leadership, courage and honor define Nelson's heroic actions on June 
6, 1944 when he joined 4,000 glider and tow planes for a dangerous 
flight into Hitler's occupied France. Nelson Lagendyk courageously 
risked his life to secure the airfield behind enemy lines, so that 
German prisoners may be transported to England where they would later 
be held accountable for the grave atrocities committed against the 
Jewish people under Hitler's infamous reign.
  Nelson's honors for his exemplary service include the distinguished 
Air Medal and the prestigous Battle Field Commission to 2nd Lieutenant, 
as well as the Normandy Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty'', which was 
presented to him by the French government in appreciation for the World 
War II liberation. Upon his retirement with the rank of General, Nelson 
enlisted in the Air Force Reserves as a ready reservist. He presently 
serves as South Dakota's Commander of the World War II Glider Pilot 
Association.
  Mr. President, Nelson Lagendyk richly deserves this noble 
distinction. It is an honor for me to share his heroic accomplishments 
with my colleagues and to publicly commend him for serving South Dakota 
and our country valiantly.

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