[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           PAYING TRIBUTE TO COL. JOHN E. STAVAST (USAF RET.)

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to the passing of a great man from my district. John Stavast, a 
native of Denver, Colorado, recently passed away at the age of 78. 
Colonel Stavast dedicated 33 years of his life the armed services, in 
both the Army and Air Force. I am honored today to bring his 
contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and this 
Nation.
  John joined the Army in 1944 and served in Europe during World War II 
as a gunner on B-17s. He was discharged in 1946 and enlisted again in 
1949 earning his pilots wings. John trained Japanese Self Defense Force 
pilots in the USAF Air Training Command. While flying over North 
Vietnam in 1967, Colonel Stavast and his crewmate were shot down near 
Hanoi. Both men safely ejected and were taken prisoner. He endured 
torture for seven full days after his capture and remained a POW until 
1972. During his time in the POW camp, the colonel, as the senior 
ranking officer, was responsible for over 200 American POW's at the 
prison near the Chinese border.
  Colonel Stavast suffered numerous injuries during his imprisonment 
including broken bones in his back, arms and legs, and a skull 
fracture. He had over 6,000 flying hours when retired from the Air 
Force in 1980, and was awarded many medals for his service. These 
include three Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished 
Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star for Valor, and six 
Air Medals. After his retirement he was a member of the Military 
Officers Association, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, 
American Legion, and others. He was also a dedicated volunteer at the 
Veterans Administration Hospital.
  Mr. Speaker, John Stavast was a dedicated patriot that selflessly 
served his community and country, and I am honored to pay tribute to 
his memory. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out 
to his family.

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