[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 1259--TO AWARD A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ON BEHALF 
                         OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

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                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
this resolution, H.R. 1259, to authorize the President to award a gold 
medal on behalf of the Congress, collectively, to the Tuskegee Airmen 
in recognition of their unique military record, which inspired 
revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.
  The Tuskegee Airmen, formed from 1,000 pilots, bombardiers and 
navigators, overcame segregation and racial discrimination to become 
national heroes and advanced our society by desegregating our armed 
forces. While in combat, the Tuskegee Airmen completed 15,000 missions 
and never lost an Allied bomber under their escort.
  The Tuskegee Airmen were the first people of color in U.S. military 
history to see air combat. This group of brave soldiers became one of 
the most respected Army Air Corp Fighter Groups of World War II.
  In joining the fight to save Europe and the world from a cruel and 
heinous regime, the Tuskegee Airmen fought for freedom that they could 
not enjoy in their own country. In taking to the air during the launch 
of military aviation, these brave men were also fighting a war against 
bigotry and racism at home. Thus, they deserve the kind of recognition 
that the Gold Medal will give them.
  The Tuskegee Airmen are now in their 80's, so we must pass this bill 
immediately to honor these WWII heroes so these medals will not be a 
posthumous honor.

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