[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY 
                             CLASS OF 1951

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 55th anniversary of the U.S. Military Academy Class of 1951.
  The Class of 1951 has many noteworthy members such as the first black 
four-star General in the U.S. Army, Roscoe Robinson, a Chief of Staff 
of the U.S. Army, Edward C. Meyer, David M. Abshire a NATO ambassador 
and Special Counsel, and Bill Richardson who served as the Commander of 
the Army's Training and Doctrine Command. Buzz Aldrin, one of the first 
two men to land on the moon also graduated with this profound group.
  The Class of 1951 has produced 3 four-star generals, 7 three-star 
generals, 12 two-star generals and 4 one-star generals. In addition, 
the Class of 1951 has earned 5 Distinguished Service Crosses, 6 
Distinguished Defense Service Medals, over 100 Purple Hearts, and over 
60 Silver Stars. The Class of 1951 also has approximately 200 Combat 
Infantry Badges, 100 Distinguished Flying Crosses and over 50 
Distinguished Service Medals.
  The Class of 1951 played a major role in securing the safety and 
security of the people of the U.S. during a critical period in our 
history. The class participated in the inaugural parade of President 
Harry S. Truman, and the funeral processions of General John Pershing 
and General Henry Arnold. The Class of 1951 also participated in the 
wars of Korea and Vietnam with direct participation in The Battle of 
Pork Chop Hill in Korea, the battles connected to the Tet Offensive in 
Vietnam and the Cambodian operations in mid-1970. Most notably a 
majority of the class of 1951 saw combat during the Cold War. The class 
assisted in many new initiatives that were tested and implemented 
during this period. The class supported efforts during the Cold War, by 
assisting in the introduction of the nuclear age to the Armed Forces, 
participating in the activities to secure the Berlin Wall and 
additional activities involved or related to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate the 
U.S. Military Academy Class of 1951 on all of its contributions and 
accomplishments. They have served this country well, truly meriting 
recognition. I call upon my colleagues to join me in the applauding the 
Class of 1951's past accomplishments and in wishing the class continued 
success in the years to come.

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