[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     GENERAL BENJAMIN O. DAVIS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of General Benjamin 
O. Davis Jr., who departed this life on July 4th, after a distinguished 
career as our country's first black Air Force general officer.
  He will be remembered in history for his command of the Tuskegee 
Airmen--that amazing squadron that flew more than 10,000 sorties over 
North Africa and Europe during World War II and never lost a plane! 
Even more than that, his colleagues in the military recognize him as a 
truly great leader and warrior throughout his 34 years of uniformed 
service to his country. And, perhaps most of all, General Davis is 
known by all as an exemplary public servant and model citizen whose 
extraordinary success and many contributions have played a big part in 
turning the tide against official racism. As former Defense Secretary 
William Cohen has said, he proved that blacks and whites cannot only 
serve together, they can succeed together.
  General Davis, we salute you, Sir, for your great and distinguished 
service to our great nation.

                          ____________________