[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO AWARD THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO 
                          THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce my recent 
introduction of legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to 
the Tuskegee Airmen. The Congressional Gold Medal was first awarded 
over 200 years ago to Americans whose courage and determination in 
battle exemplified the spirit of our nation.
  In keeping with this tradition, I am honored to join with Senator 
Levin in concurrently introducing this legislation to bestow Congress' 
highest honor to this deserving group of individuals.
  The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one 
of the most highly respected fighter groups of WorId War II. In so 
doing, they helped to destroy the racist conceptions of their time, and 
set in motion the eventual desegregation of the Armed Services.
  Before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. 
military. However, the great threat posed by the Nazis, and the demands 
of Black Americans for full citizenship, including the right to fight 
for their country as patriots, persuaded the American government to 
provide an opportunity for African Americans to serve, even though in 
segregated units.
  The Airmen completed 15,500 missions, destroyed 260 enemy aircraft, 
sank one enemy destroyer, and demolished numerous enemy installations. 
They also would have the WWII distinction of never losing a bomber 
under their escort, despite flying in some of the enemies' most heavily 
defended areas.
  During their WorId War II service, the Airmen would earn 150 
Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts, and 14 
Bronze Stars. At the war's end they had not only helped to defeat the 
Germans, they helped to set in motion the eventual desegregation of the 
Armed Services a few years later.
  The Tuskegee Airmen were patriots in the truest sense of the word. 
Their belief in themselves, and in the promise of America, gave them 
the strength to overcome incredible obstacles, and accomplish what was 
then considered impossible. Their courage inspired a generation, and 
their determination strengthened a nation.
  The Tuskegee Airmen deserve an honor befitting their contribution to 
our country, so I respectfully urge my fellow colleagues to support 
this legislation.

                          ____________________