[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING FRITZ BRENNECKE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, It is with great pleasure that I take this 
opportunity to recognize a courageous man for his dedicated years of 
service to the United States during some of the most horrific times of 
World War II. I am proud to honor Mr. Fritz Brennecke--a devoted 
veteran--for his enduring flights over war-stricken Europe as he aided 
in the effort to ensure Allied victory during the war.
  As Mr. Brennecke was harnessed in his waist gunner position aboard a 
B-24, he fought valiantly against German fighter planes that were 
attempting to hinder the bombing runs. The waist gunner position, 
appropriately named for its location behind the wings of the B-24 at 
the waist of the airship, was capable of defending the aircraft by 
firing out either side of the fighting bomber. Amidst flak bombs and 
insistent attacks, it was not unusual for a mission to return to base 
with only three or four planes out of the original group with nearly 
seven planes. Throughout his noble service to the United States, Fritz 
participated in missions attacking Grottaglie, Italy, Ploesti and other 
German strongholds.
  In 1945, the bombing runs subsided and offered the distinguished war 
veteran an opportunity to return home. Upon returning to Colorado, 
Fritz completed his formal education at the University of Denver and 
eventually retired to Montrose after establishing a career in livestock 
and produce.
  Mr. Speaker, while Fritze Brennecke considers the real heroes of 
World War II to be those who were never able to return home, his 
recognition with two Presidential Citations and an Air Medal with five 
oak clusters testify to his selfless service to America and to his 50 
combat flights. These are distinctions one earns for going above and 
beyond the call of duty.
  I am proud to honor Fritz with this Congressional Tribute as he is 
truly an American hero who exemplifies the spirit of patriotism. He is 
one individual who added to the collective effort to perpetuate peace 
and reconciliation following World War II. I commend his notable 
service and his efforts on the behalf of this country and wish him all 
of the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________