[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 102 (Friday, July 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1450-E1451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MAJOR JAMES ``CHOCKS'' EWALD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2003

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major James 
``Chocks'' Ewald of the Michigan Air National Guard for the valiant 
decisions he made when his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air 
missile while flying over Baghdad. On April 8, 2003 Major Ewald was 
leaving the Baghdad area after collecting vital intelligence about 
Iraqi ambush positions when he was suddenly struck by a surface-to-air 
missile that left his aircraft only marginally flyable. Major Ewald 
flew a wounded-bird for 12 minutes, while also completing several 
battle damage checklists, identifying critical aircraft system 
operations, making tentative plans for aircraft recovery, gathering 
important information about threats affecting future Close Air Support 
operations, and hastily preparing for an injury-free ejection. The 
quick-thinking Major then evaded potential capture and was soon rescued 
by fellow U.S. Army forces.
  While serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom he flew over 30 combat 
sorties. Major James Ewald entered active duty with the Air Force in 
January 1989 and served active duty until July 1998 when he joined the 
Michigan Air National Guard. During his active duty career, he flew in 
support of contingency operations over Bosnia, Operation Deny Flight, 
in support of United Nations Forces in the Republic of Korea, and over 
Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch.
  Major Ewald and so many like him have unselfishly pledged to protect 
the United States. No matter the time, place, or circumstance, the men 
and women of the United States Armed Forces have always answered the 
call to duty. ``Chocks'' represents the best of the

[[Page E1451]]

United States Armed Forces. My fellow Members of Congress, please join 
me in recognizing Major Ewald and all of the Armed Service members for 
their continued service to the American people!

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