[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ROBERT K. MORGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Colonel 
Robert K. Morgan, pilot of the B-17 Memphis Belle. Colonel Morgan 
served the United States of America in the Army Air Corp during World 
War II from 1941-1945 and the United States Air Force Reserve from 
1945-1965. Colonel Morgan is being honored by the Kiwanis Club of 
Altoona on August 20, 2008, at which time his widow, Linda, will 
reflect upon the great adventures and accomplishments of her husband.
  Colonel Morgan was a great serviceman who dedicated much of his life 
to serving our country. For his service, Colonel Morgan was awarded the 
distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Medal 
with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. On May 17, 1943 Colonel Morgan and his crew 
of the Memphis Belle became the first to complete twenty-five missions 
over Europe and return to the United States. Colonel Morgan's mission 
was made into a combat documentary, entitled ``Memphis Belle,'' by 
Warner Brothers in 1990. Following the historic flight over Europe, 
Colonel Morgan and his crew departed England in June 1943 for the 
United States and began a thirty city public relations/war bond tour. 
Colonel Morgan's crew were recognized as heroes at every stop on their 
tour and thanked by the American public. Morgan went on to lead the 
first B-29 bombing raid on Tokyo in 1944, after which he served in the 
Air Force Reserves and retired as a full Colonel in 1965.
  Colonel Morgan's heroic service and leadership in the Army Air Corps 
during World War II and the United States Air Force Reserve will 
forever be remembered. His service and dedication brought great pride 
to our nation, his family, and his community. Colonel Morgan's memory 
as an Army officer of the highest caliber will not be forgotten. His 
actions reflected great credit upon himself, his flight crew, and the 
United States Army. I would like to stand with the Kiwanis Club of 
Altoona to recognize the late Colonel Robert K. Morgan for all of his 
leadership and devotion to the United States of America.
  Colonel Robert K. Morgan's wife, Linda, his family and friends, and 
the Kiwanis Club of Altoona are certainly proud of the Colonel's life 
of service and commitment to our country during a time of war both at 
home and abroad and it gives me great pleasure to honor his life and 
selfless service.

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