[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 109 (Monday, July 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. ABE SILVERSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CONNIE MACK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2009

  Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Abe Silverstein, 
an American engineer who played an important part in the United States 
space program.
  Dr. Silverstein was born in 1908 in Terre Haute, Indiana, and earned 
a B.S. in mechanical engineering (1929) and an M.E. (1934) from the 
Rose Polytechnic Institute. In 1929, Dr. Silverstein was hired by the 
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at the Langley 
research center to work on the design of the Altitude Wind Tunnel. 
While there, he also directed research which led to increased high-
speed performance of most of the combat aircraft of World War II. His 
work contributed to development of present day supersonic aircrafts.
  Dr. Silverstein helped at NASA headquarters to help with the space 
flights of Project Mercury and the Apollo program. He was also chair to 
the government commission The Silverstein Committee.
  Dr. Silverstein received several awards for his work. In 1984, NASA 
named him an ``Elder Statesman of Aviation.'' On August 14, 1997, Dr. 
Silverstein was the recipient of the Guggenheim Medal for significant 
contributions to the advancement of flight. He later retired to Ohio 
and spent his winters in Cape Coral.
  I would like to recognize Dr. Silverstein for his contributions to 
this country and we are proud of all his accomplishments. His lifetime 
achievements are truly commendable.

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