[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 104 (Monday, July 13, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S7411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               REMEMBERING MAJOR GENERAL ROGER W. GILBERT

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
Major General Roger W. Gilbert who passed away on June 13, 2009 in 
Lenexa, KS. I would like to express my condolences to Major General 
Gilbert's family, in particular his wife of 58 years, Ruthie, his two 
daughters Carol and Marilee, his three granddaughters Brooke, Britni, 
and Allison, and his sister Beverly. They are in my thoughts and 
prayers.
  Major General Gilbert led an honorable and extensive career which 
began upon his enlistment in the Army Air Corps in 1943 while he was a 
student at Drake University. After his pilot training, he courageously 
took two combat tours in Europe during World War II. He flew 50 
missions in B-17s and Mosquitoes and upon his accomplishment he was 
awarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with five 
clusters and five battle stars.
  In 1946, he joined the Air National Guard and flew another 50 combat 
missions in B-26 bombers during the Korean war. He then became squadron 
and later on wing commander of the Air Guard units and accumulated 
7,200 hours of pilot time, 4,000 of which were served as a jet pilot. 
Major General Gilbert amassed a large amount of medals throughout his 
service career, including the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster 
and another 38 awards.
  Major General Gilbert retired from his career of 42 years of service 
in the Air Force and Air Guard. He previously was the adjutant general 
of the Iowa National Guard, as well as the former commander of the 
132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa National Guard, which was given three 
national recognitions as being an outstanding unit of the Air Force. 
After retirement, he spent his time hunting, skeet shooting, and taking 
his golden retriever, Major, out to the field.
  The career of Major General Gilbert was a distinguished one and his 
42-year commitment to serving the people of the United States and the 
State of Iowa is worthy of much admiration and honor. I am grateful for 
his service and pay tribute to his patriotism.

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