[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S4042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NEW MEXICO'S TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to New Mexico's 
Tuskegee Airmen. With the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to 
John Allen, Robert Lawrence, and James Williams, we express our 
gratitude for their service, sacrifice, and leadership. Their military 
service in World War II helped pave the way for the future 
desegregation of our Armed Forces and country.
  Each of these men distinguished themselves while serving our Nation. 
Robert Lawrence flew 33 separate combat missions over Italy, defending 
American bombers from the Luftwaffe. John Allen spent 20 years working 
for the Strategic Air Command following his World War II service. James 
Williams fought against segregationist policies at his base before 
becoming an accomplished surgeon. The Congressional Gold Medal, and 
invitation to the Capitol, shows how far we have come; many of the 
Tuskegee Airmen can recall when Black Americans were excluded from 
these hallowed hallways. However, I know it will take more than this 
award to eradicate the remaining vestiges of racism and prejudice these 
men have experienced. I pledge to continue working in that spirit and 
will keep these men in mind in the process.
  The great State of New Mexico can be proud it is home to three such 
outstanding men. I hope that each of them knows how very much we value 
their contributions to our society in their efforts working for 
justice, our military for what the service they performed while in 
uniform, and our nation for teaching all Americans the importance of 
equality at any cost. I again thank them for all they have done.

                          ____________________