[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 123 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF BUTCH VORIS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 2004

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Roy Marlin ``Butch'' 
Voris, the founder of the Blue Angels.
  After graduating from Salinas Junior College in 1939, Mr. Voris 
entered the Navy in 1941. In February of 1942 he was commissioned an 
ensign and designated a naval aviator. Mr. Voris was deployed in the 
Pacific theater of World War II, where he flew both Grumman F4F 
``Wildcat'' and Grumman F6F ``Hellcats.'' He was a talented pilot, 
earning the ``fighter ace'' status, and a respected commander of 
Fighter Squadron 113, Fighter Squadron 191, and Attack Carrier Air 
Group 5. For his service and sacrifices to his country, Mr. Voris 
earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 Air Medals, three 
Presidential Unit Citations, and the Purple Heart.
  When the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations 
created a Navy flight exhibition team in 1946 to demonstrate precision 
fighter maneuvers at Navy air shows and other public events, they 
naturally chose Captain Voris to be the first Officer-in-Charge and 
Flight Leader. After selecting his fellow pilots and maintenance 
personnel from the Navy's best officers and sailors, he modified the 
Grumman F6F ``Hellcat'' and painted it the now famous blue and gold. 
Captain Voris flew with the Blue Angels on their first tour, and again 
in 1951, before retiring from the Navy in 1963.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Captain ``Butch'' Voris' years of service to 
our country and amazing accomplishments. He is an American hero who has 
made a remarkable contribution to the world of aviation, which we are 
lucky enough to continue to enjoy today. I join with the thousands of 
attendees to the California International Air Show in Salinas, and 
dozens of former Blue Angel pilots, in honoring this talented man and 
his many achievements.

                          ____________________