[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1234-E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING HUGH LEE GRUNDY FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES 
                               OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ERNIE FLETCHER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2001

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Hugh Lee Grundy, 
a man who has devoted a lifetime of hard work and dedication to 
America's Armed Forces in Southeast Asia. Mr. Grundy is the retired 
President of Air America, an organization that served a special and 
undercover purpose for our nation's Central Intelligence Agency and 
allied countries in Asia and throughout the world. Hugh Grundy of Crab 
Orchard, Kentucky spent 50 to 60 years in the active world of aviation, 
and I am truly proud to stand here today and honor him here in the U.S. 
House of Representatives.
  Mr. Grundy was born at Valley Hill, Kentucky on the Grundy family 
farm, which he now owns and operates. Mr. Grundy raised and showed 
saddle horses at state and county fairs while growing up. Throughout 
his schooling, he worked at a local Ford dealership, rising to the 
position of assistant General Manager. He learned to fly light planes 
in Central

[[Page E1235]]

Kentucky in his teenage years. Mr. Grundy attended Aeronautical School 
in California and eventually became a teacher there. He then worked for 
Pan American Airlines.
  Mr. Grundy faithfully served his country in various capacities for 
more than 30 years. During World War II, Mr. Grundy served his country 
as an Engineering Officer and Air Crew Member. He reached the rank of 
Major in the United States Army in 1946. At the close of World War II, 
Mr. Grundy exchanged active duty for the reserves and returned to Pan 
American. Later he was transferred to Shanghai, China to work for the 
China National Aviation Corporation.
  Mr. Grundy served concurrently as President of Air America, Air Asia, 
and Civil Air Transport from 1954 to 1976. As President of Air America, 
Mr. Grundy commanded over 10,000 men and women serving in Vietnam, 
Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Mr. Grundy came out of retirement twice 
in order to return to preside over Southern Air Transport, a company 
based in Miami, Florida.
  In June of 2001, the CIA presented Mr. Grundy with two citations, one 
in his capacity as President of Civil Air Transport and Air America, 
and one to him personally. This was the second time Mr. Grundy was 
given recognition by the CIA, the first being a medal for Honorable 
Service upon the occasion of his retirement from Air America.
  Today I rise, Mr. Speaker, to salute Mr. Grundy for his commitment to 
aviation, his service to our country, and his patriotic leadership 
throughout the years.

                          ____________________