[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 26, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S6919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO HUGH L. GRUNDY

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Hugh L. Grundy for his many years of service to the United States. On 
June 30, 2001, Hugh will be honored by the City of Crab Orchard, 
Kentucky, for his dedication to our Nation, and I know my colleagues 
join me in expressing our gratitude for his many contributions.
  Hugh Grundy is a true American hero and has dedicated much of his 
life to the cause of freedom. During World War II, he served as a Major 
in the U.S. Army Air Corps/Air Force. After that, Hugh went on to serve 
concurrently as president of the Civil Air Transport and Air America. 
Secretly owned by the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, these two air 
transport organizations were staffed by civilians who conducted 
undercover missions in Asia and other parts of the world in support of 
U.S. policy objectives. Often working under dangerous conditions and 
with outdated equipment, CAT and Air America crews transported scores 
of troops and refugees, flew emergency medical missions, and rescued 
downed airmen. Hugh and the brave people he commanded played a vital 
role in the war against Communism and their commitment to freedom will 
never be forgotten.
  Hugh Grundy is a native Kentuckian. Born on his parents' farm in 
Valley Hill, KY, he grew up helping his father raise and show yearling 
saddle horses. While Hugh's love for aviation and his service to our 
Nation caused him to be away from the Commonwealth for many years, he 
returned to the Bluegrass to retire. Hugh and his wife of 58 years, 
Elizabeth, or ``Frankie'' as she is known to her friends, now live on 
their family farm, called Valley Hill Plantation. After many years on 
the go, Hugh and Frankie are very content with the peace and quiet 
associated with farm life.
  Although Hugh Grundy is now retired, his record of dedication and 
service continues. On behalf of this body, I thank him for his 
contributions to this Nation, and sincerely wish him and his family the 
very best.

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