[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING HAROLD BERKE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and to pay 
tribute to Harold Berke of Williamsville, New York.
  While Harold Berke is no longer with us, we are blessed that his 
memory and his achievements live on to this day. Born Harold Berkowitz, 
he enlisted in the Army Air Corps prior to the start of World War II. 
Harold achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, and during his service to 
our nation, invented a device that allowed a single man to lift the 
tail sections of airplanes for repair and inspection.
  Following his graduation from the University at Buffalo, which he 
attended under the GI Bill, Harold Berke went to work for Bell 
Aerospace, where, beginning in 1954, he led a group that provided a 
solution to an engine problem on the X2 rocket. Harold Berke's 
leadership and expertise were integral to other projects, such as the 
Agena Engine, Rascal Missile, Minute Man Missile, and the engine that 
ensured America's astronauts were returned safely from the moon.
  Harold Berke's contributions were not limited to engineering and 
aerospace. A loving husband and father, Harold Berke married the late 
Leah Rose in 1949. They were the proud parents of two sons, Ronald and 
Daniel. Together with his sons, Harold Berke built award-winning show 
cars, including a series of Corvettes, and a 1968 Camaro that won 30 
awards in 10 shows.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in remembrance of 
Harold Berke's contributions to American rocketry and aerospace, and 
that we salute him in memoriam for his ability and leadership.

                          ____________________