[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF A GREAT AMERICAN SOLDIER: MR. RICHARD S. STARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ERNIE FLETCHER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2002

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to stand here today 
to recognize a great soldier and a great American, Mr. Richard S. 
Starks. Mr. Starks served as a second lieutenant, 414th Bombardment 
Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group, Air Corps, United States Army. He is 
being honored today for his extraordinary heroism in action over 
occupied territory in Continental Europe, August 21, 1942.
  As chronicled in the official service record dated August 23, 1942, 
Lieutenant Richard S. Starks was a B-I 7E bomber pilot on a bombardment 
mission when his aircraft was attacked by 20-30 enemy fighters at an 
attitude of approximately 21,000 feet. The cockpit of his aircraft 
became severely damaged by heavy enemy fire and the co-pilot was 
fatally wounded. Lieutenant Starks was seriously wounded in the arm, 
neck and face and his oxygen mask became dislodged. Despite these 
handicaps, and overwhehning odds, Lieutenant Starks directed the 
operation of his aircraft and, when physically able to do so, gave 
material assistance in its operation, to the end that he safety landed 
his aircraft at a friendly airdrome.
  On August 23, 1942, in a citation directed by General Dwight D. 
Eisenhower, Lieutenant Richard S. Starks was awarded the prestigious 
Distinguished Service Cross, stating that his ``cool courage and heroic 
action upheld the highest tradition of the military forces of the 
United States and contributed materially to the success of a mission of 
vital importance.''
  The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs will again honor Mr. 
Starks, a native of Midway, Kentucky, at a special ceremony on July 25, 
2002, at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky.

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