[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1038]]
                   IN MEMORIAM: ROBERT L. DUVALL III

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bob 
Duvall for his contributions to technology advancements in the defense 
industry. As an expert engineer with Hughes Aircraft and as Vice 
President of Advanced Technology at DRS Technologies, Mr. Duvall made a 
lasting impact on defense technology and military members. Bob passed 
away on May 24, 2006. He was 61.
  Bob Duvall was born in Cheverly, Maryland on October 8, 1944 and grew 
up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. His father was an 
electrical engineer for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, 
and he inspired Bob in his career as an engineer. In 1967, Mr. Duvall 
graduated from Cornell University with a degree in electrical 
engineering and subsequently went to work with Hughes Aircraft Company 
in California, where his technical expertise expanded to include 
circuit design, optics, infrared technology, optoelectronics and 
systems integration. Bob furthered his education with a master's degree 
in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California in 
1975.
  Bob's early contributions and developments during his more than 20 
years with Hughes Aircraft led to innovation in Naval and Air Force 
laser pointing and tracking technology that today is considered a step 
forward to a high energy laser system for ballistic missile defense 
systems.
  Following the first gulf war, our military leaders recognized Forward 
Looking Infrared (FLIR) as a key combat overmatch capability for our 
mounted and dismounted troops. In response, Bob Duvall was the lead for 
Hughes Aircraft in partnership with Texas Instruments to develop this 
next generation of night vision systems using thermal sensors. The 
Army's Second Generation FLIR involves the insertion of a common 
second-generation thermal sensor, known as the B-Kit into the Army's 
highest priority ground-based platforms.
  These systems have played an important role in our efforts to fight 
the Global War on Terrorism. Because of Mr. Duvall, these systems have 
been fielded with the capability to see when the enemy can not and to 
fight during conditions that are obscured by weather or time of day. 
Our troops now enter into battle with the decisive ability to ``Own the 
Night'' and precisely target and defeat the threat. Because of his 
efforts and expertise, Mr. Duvall contributed directly to saving many 
lives and avoiding great loss.
  Bob Duvall was unequaled not only as an Engineer, but as a friend--
full of good humor, a wonderful storyteller with an infectious laugh, a 
patient listener, and a willing contributor to others in need. Bob 
Duvall's family was his greatest joy and he is survived by his wife 
Shirley and his two children, Mark and Michelle. He will be sorely 
missed by his loved ones, his colleagues, and others who benefited from 
his contribution.

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