[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 103 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO MAJOR JAMES ``CHOCKS'' EWALD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2003

  Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery of 
one of Michigan's fine Air Guardsmen. Major James ``Chocks'' Ewald of 
the Michigan Air National Guard 110th Fighter Wing made courageous 
decisions when his aircraft was hit by a surface-to-air missile while 
flying over Baghdad, Iraq on April 8, 2003.
  On April 8, 2003, Major James ``Chocks'' Ewald took off from Al Jaber 
Air Base Kuwait on his second mission of the day. He and his wingman 
learned that they would be among the first Close Air Support aircraft 
to fly over the city of Baghdad. His aircraft was shot at numerous 
times during the next 30 minutes, while he provided vital intelligence 
about Iraqi ambush positions. The flight was low on fuel and leaving 
Baghdad when it was suddenly struck by a surface-to-air missile. Major 
Ewald flew the wounded-bird for about 12 minutes, while preparing for 
an injury-free ejection. Before ejecting, he and his wingman managed to 
complete several battle damage checklists, identify critical aircraft 
system operations, make tentative plans for aircraft recovery, and 
gather important information about threats affecting future Close Air 
Support operations. A friendly U.S. Army forces rescued Major Ewald 15 
minutes after his parachute landing. Following a physical examination, 
he returned to active duty.
  Major James ``Chocks'' Ewald entered the active duty Air Force on 
January 15, 1989 and served in the active duty until July 1, 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 the United Nations Forces in the 
Republic of Korea, and over Iraq in support of Operation Southern 
Watch. In 1998, he separated from active-duty and joined the 110th 
Fighter Wing where he has served as Flight Instructor and Squadron 
Weapons Officer. Since his transfer to the 110th, Major Ewald has 
deployed with the unit to numerous stateside training exercises and 
recently returned from a four-month tour of duty in Kuwait in support 
of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he flew over 30 combat sorties.
  With the heroic example of Major James ``Chocks'' Ewald, I would also 
like to laud all 1,500 members of Michigan Air and Army National Guard 
who are now serving their country in Operation Iraqi Freedom.




                          ____________________