[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO DONALD S. LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2008

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of LTC 
Donald S. Lopez, a military aviation pioneer and decorated hero who 
recently passed away at the age of 84.
  Colonel Lopez was born on July 15, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York. He 
graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology with a bachelor's 
degree in aeronautical engineering and a master's degree in aeronautics 
from the California Institute of Technology.
  In preparation for World War II, Colonel Lopez enlisted and received 
his pilot's license in 1943. He was promptly sent to China and served 
with many veterans of the legendary American Flying Tigers, flying 101 
missions and recording five victories, qualifying him to be recognized 
as an ``ace.''
  Upon his return from China, Colonel Lopez was an Air Force test pilot 
for 6 years and went on to fly F-86s in Korea. During the next 6 years, 
he taught aeronautics at the Air Force Academy. During his military 
career, Colonel Lopez earned the Silver Star, two awards of the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, and three awards of the Air Medal.
  Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1964, Colonel Lopez 
worked as a systems engineer on the Apollo-Saturn Launch Vehicle and 
the Skylab Orbital Workshop.
  Colonel Lopez joined the Smithsonian in 1972 and was instrumental in 
planning the National Air and Space Museum. He served as deputy 
director of the museum from 1983 until 1990 and returned to the 
position in 1996.
  I had the honor of meeting with Colonel Lopez while preparing to lead 
a congressional delegation to China last August. Colonel Lopez provided 
me with valuable insight into the experiences of the American Flying 
Tigers who worked with the Chinese military during World War II and the 
courageous pilots who flew supplies to them over the treacherous Hump 
Route from India at great peril.
  Our visit to Kunming, China for a memorial ceremony and meeting with 
Chinese World War II veterans was an unforgettable and powerful 
reminder of the extraordinary service provided to our country by 
patriots such as Colonel Lopez.
  Madam Speaker, Colonel Lopez served our Nation with the utmost 
dedication and is a true American hero. I know the Members of the House 
will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to Glindal Lopez; their 
two children, Don and Joy; and Laura, his granddaughter.

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