[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF MR. HUGH FERGUSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, one of our Nation's greatest assets is 
our veterans. When I look around this chamber and see the reflection of 
our democracy, I can't help but think of those who fought to ensure our 
safety, our strength, and our freedom.
  I rise today to recognize an honored veteran and an extraordinary 
American, Mr. Hugh Ferguson.
  Those who study World War II are aware that the United States was at 
war with Japan for three months after Germany surrendered. The end of 
the war with Japan came only after President Harry S Truman made the 
brave and difficult decision to use the atomic bomb.
  On August 9, 1945, Mr. Hugh Ferguson was piloting the B-29 bomber 
plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. This mission 
required bravery, faith, and discipline in order to see it through. Mr. 
Ferguson was just a mere twenty-two years old when his country employed 
his piloting skills to end the battle and forever change the make-up of 
the world.
  As Mr. Ferguson will tell you, he and his fellow pilots knew their 
acts would end World War II and save hundreds of thousands of American 
lives. This knowledge made it clear to Mr. Ferguson what his mission 
was and that his success was necessary--even at its great cost.
  It takes a brave and faithful man to carry out the missions of the 
United States military. It takes an even braver man to test history 
with the new technology that was the atomic bomb. Yet, Mr. Ferguson's 
bravery did not stop there. Years later, he again answered the 
military's call of duty. Mr. Ferguson flew the only plane on site when 
the United States detonated the world's first hydrogen bomb on Eniwetok 
Atoll. Not knowing the consequences of this flight, he and his crew 
bravely documented the power of the hydrogen bomb for United States 
officials.
  This year marks Mr. Ferguson's 82nd birthday. I wish to congratulate 
and honor him for his service to this country in the face of war. As a 
member of Congress, as a proud citizen of the United States, and as a 
person who enjoys the freedom this great Nation offers, I officially 
recognize Mr. Hugh Ferguson.

                          ____________________