[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 24 (Wednesday, March 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO AWARD A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO THE 
                            TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1259, a 
resolution to honor the Tuskegee Airmen. I would also like to express 
my appreciation for their heroism and bravery. These men deserve the 
Nation's highest honor for their courage and patriotism.
  In July 1941, 13 young Americans began military flight training at 
the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, AL. Five of those 13 young men 
completed training and received their Army Air Corps silver pilot 
wings, becoming our Nation's first African-American military fighter 
pilots. They would later be known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
  Between 1941 and 1946, 1992 pilots graduated at Tuskegee Army Air 
Field, with 450 of those serving during World War II in either the 
famed 99th Fighter Squadron or the 332nd Fighter Group. Both units, 
heralded for their bravery and tenacity, received more than one 
Presidential Unit Citation for exemplary tactical air support and 
aerial combat. The group also felt the price of war, losing 150 pilots 
while in training or on combat flights.
  It has been said that the Tuskegee Airmen faced two wars--one against 
a military force overseas and the other against racism and bigotry at 
home and abroad. Yet, in the face of these challenges, they accepted 
their country's call to service and fought heroically in great battles 
for freedom.
  I am honored to represent 3 of these courageous individuals: Mr. O. 
Oliver Goodall of Altadena, CA; Mr. Andrew Jack Simon of South 
Pasadena, CA; and Mr. LeRoy Criss of Pasadena, CA. They received their 
training and joined the ranks of Tuskegee Airmen in 1942 and 1943. 
Today, I honor Mr. Goodall, Mr. Simon, Mr. Criss, and all other 
Tuskegee Airmen who served our country with valor and distinction.

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