[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING COLONEL DEAN E. DeTAR USAF (RET.) FOR HIS HEROISM AND 
                               LEADERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2004

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor retired U.S. Air Force 
Colonel Dean E. DeTar of Azle, Texas, for his combat heroism in 
Vietnam, and his leadership as National Commander of the Legion of 
Valor for the year 2003-2004.
  The Legion of Valor of the United States of America, Inc. traces its 
heritage to the founding of the Medal of Honor Legion in 1890 by Medal 
of Honor recipients from the Civil War. In later years, recipients of 
the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, and Air Force Cross were 
made eligible for this elite organization, and those medals were 
authorized by Congress for extraordinary heroism in combat against 
enemy forces.
  COL DeTar received the Air Force Cross for his extraordinary heroism 
in Vietnam on March 21, 1970, while leading a force of twenty-nine 
aircraft against one of the most heavily defended enemy locations in 
Southeast Asia to successfully rescue a downed airman.
  COL DeTar's other U.S. decorations include the Silver Star; Legion of 
Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross with five oak leaf clusters; Air 
Medal with fifteen oak leaf clusters; Purple Heart Medal; and Air Force 
Commendation Medal, plus numerous USAF service medals and skill badges; 
and foreign decorations. COL DeTar will conclude his term of office as 
National Commander of the Legion of Valor by presiding over that 
distinguished organization's 2004 annual meeting to be held in Fort 
Worth, May 19-23.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to commend COL Dean E. DeTar to my 
colleagues for his outstanding patriotism during his exemplary military 
career which included combat heroism in Vietnam. Since his retirement 
from active duty, he has shown devotion to the membership of the Legion 
of Valor and leadership as National Commander during the past year.

                          ____________________