[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JAMES KASLER OF MOMENCE, ILLINOIS

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true 
American war hero whom I had the pleasure to meet recently.
  Retired Air Force COL James Kasler of Momence, Illinois, represents 
the uncommon courage that is found in our military men and women. His 
distinguished record of service includes 76 awards for valor and 
service, and Colonel Kasler has the distinction of being the only 
person in our country's history, dead or alive, to receive the Air 
Force Cross three times.
  His career as a decorated combat pilot began as a B-29 tail gunner 
over Japan in World War II. He went on to become a jet ace in Korea, 
and showed remarkable bravery volunteering for bombing runs in Vietnam.
  On his 91st mission, in Vietnam, Colonel Kasler was shot down while 
covering for his downed wingman. He would go on to endure 6\1/2\ years 
in a Vietnamese prison camp, and would become a role model for his 
fellow prisoners, including Senator John McCain of Arizona and a member 
of this House, Representative Sam Johnson of Texas.
  James Kasler is the face of the valor that all our veterans 
demonstrated when they put on the uniform of our armed forces. Recently 
I had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the dedication of 
the Kasler-Momence Veterans Park in my district, where I met the 
colonel. This park will serve to honor all those veterans who served 
and those future veterans who are currently serving. Hundreds of 
thousands of military personnel go about their task every day without 
complaint, often far from their families and in hostile conditions--and 
too many don't make it home. Their service keeps us free.
  I am proud to have COL James Kasler as a constituent, and proud to 
have been associated with the veterans' memorial that bears his name. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in honoring him and all war heroes of the 
past, present, and future.

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