[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING REAR ADMIRAL CHARLES C. CURTZE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2008

   Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize and honor the life of Rear Admiral Charles Curtze. Born and 
raised in Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, Admiral Curtze 
brought his dedication to service and caring personality to the Erie 
community.
   A 1933 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Admiral Curtze 
excelled in gymnastics and led the midshipmen to the league 
championship. He qualified for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, 
but due to his position in the U.S. Navy and growing security concerns 
regarding Adolf Hitler, the State Department prohibited his attendance. 
After graduating from the Naval Academy, Admiral Curtze earned a 
master's degree in naval construction from the Massachusetts Institute 
of Technology.
   One of the most extraordinary accomplishments of his career was his 
role in saving the only major ship to survive the attack on Pearl 
Harbor. By guiding the USS St. Louis to safety, the ship was able to 
successfully put out to sea and became the stalwart of the new Pacific 
fleet during World War II.
   During the infancy of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 
Admiral Curtze served as the engineering member of the first U.S. team 
in London. He later became commander of the San Francisco Naval 
Shipyard and ultimately deputy chief of the Bureau of Ships in 
Washington, DC before retiring as a rear admiral in 1965 and returning 
to Erie.
   His passion for sailing began at the early age of 14 when he bought 
his first sailboat, joined the Erie Yacht Club and began racing. After 
retiring from his military career, he used his naval architecture 
skills to design and commission his own yacht, Thule, in 1970 which he 
sailed until his 90th year.
   Admiral Curtze was known as a very generous individual who 
contributed to several local causes, most notably the Asbury Woods 
Project. He was an 80-year member of the Erie Yacht Club and a life 
member of the Erie Historical Society.
   The life of Charles Curtze serves as a role model for us all to 
follow. He embodied the word service in its finest sense through his 
kindness, hard work and generosity and will greatly be missed by all.
   I hope my colleagues will join me in commemorating the life of 
Charles Curtze.

                          ____________________