[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 161 (Monday, November 2, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H12160-H12162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BERLIN AIRLIFT'S SUCCESS
Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 398) recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Berlin
Airlift's success.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 398
Whereas pursuant to mutual agreement among allies concluded
at the Potsdam Conference following the unconditional
surrender of Adolf Hitler's National Socialist (NAZI) regime
on May 8, 1945, the German capitol of Berlin was divided into
four zones of military occupation controlled by the United
States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and France;
Whereas in a bid to maintain leverage over Germany by
perpetuating its economic instability, and in opposition to
the United States' Marshall Plan and the allies' proposal for
a new, more stable German currency, then Soviet Dictator
Joseph Stalin ordered a blockade of Berlin on June 22, 1948;
Whereas Stalin's blockade prohibited all ground access to
the city, blocking the people of Berlin;
Whereas three 20-mile-wide free air corridors had been
agreed on November 30, 1945, to provide unfettered access to
Berlin along accepted flight routes;
Whereas the Soviet regime insisted that the Western Allies
allow food and medicine to be supplied to these sectors only
through Soviet-controlled East Germany, effectively allowing
Soviet control over West Berlin;
Whereas President Harry S. Truman ordered the stationing of
U.S. B-29 Superfortresses at British airfields on June 28,
1948;
Whereas Britain's Foreign Minister Ernest Brevin, at the
suggestion of Commander Sir Brian Robertson, proposed
employing a military airlift as an alternative to an armed
convoy through the Soviet sector to provide humanitarian
relief to Berlin's traumatized and beleaguered population;
Whereas General Lucius Clay, then United States military
governor of Germany, and Major General Curtis LeMay,
Commanding General of the United States Air Force in Europe,
requested Douglas C-54 Skymasters, the largest transport
plane available to the United States Air Force, to help
supply the colossal strategic air mission;
Whereas the first Skymasters arrived at Rhein-Main Air Base
on June 28, 1948, and were immediately loaded to begin
Operation Vittles to convey supplies to Berlin;
Whereas the Soviet regime publically derided the airlift,
announcing that it would be impossible to carry out and
maintain such an operation, characterizing the mission in the
East German press as, ``the futile attempts of the Americans
to save face and to maintain their untenable position in
Berlin'';
Whereas Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand joined
Great Britain and the United States in what became the
largest humanitarian operation ever undertaken by the United
States Air Force;
Whereas Lt. General William Turner, honored in the Air
Cargo Hall of Fame for his tactical brilliance as commander
of the Berlin Airlift, was called upon to lead the Berlin
Airlift and worked tirelessly to ensure that the aircraft he
commanded supplied the besieged city of Berlin with essential
supplies including coal, heating oil, medicine, and food from
July 28, 1948, through the official conclusion of the mission
on September 30, 1949;
Whereas the Berlin Airlift resulted in the total delivery
of 1,783,573 tons of supplies by the United States and
541,937 tons of supplies totaling 2,300,000 tons delivered on
277,569 total flights to Berlin;
Whereas the United States Air Force's C-47s and C-54s alone
logged 92,000,000 miles in the Berlin Airlift;
Whereas the commitment of the United States to aid the
besieged people of Berlin resulted in the tragic loss of 101
allied personnel, of which 31 were United States casualties;
Whereas the following Air Force units, aided by the United
States Navy and Army, are known to have contributed to the
success of the Berlin Airlift--
(1) HHS1Air Life Task Force;
(2) 10 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(3) 11 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(4) 12 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(5) 14 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(6) 15 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(7) 29 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(8) 39 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(9) 40 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(10) 41 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(11) 47 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(12) 48 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(13) 53 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(14) HHS 60 Troop Carrier Wing;
(15) HQ 60 Troop Carrier Group;
(16) 60 Troop Carrier Group;
(17) HQ60 Maintenance Support Group;
(18) 60 Maintenance Squadron;
(19) 60 Supply Squadron;
(20) 60 FIN DIS UT;
(21) 60 COMM Squadron;
(22) 60A police Squadron;
(23) 60 Food Service Squadron;
(24) 60 Install SQ;
(25) 60 Motor Vehicle Squadron;
(26) 60 Base Services Squadron;
(27) 60 Medical Group;
(28) HHS A B Group;
(29) HQ61 Troop Carrier Group;
(30) HQ313 Troop Carrier Group;
(31) HHS61 Troop Carrier Wing;
(32) HQ317 Troop Carrier Group;
(33) HQ317 Maintenance Supply Group;
(34) 317 Maintenance Squadron;
(35) 317 Supply Squadron;
(36) HHS 317 A B Group;
(37) 317 Communications Squadron;
(38) 317A Police Squadron;
(39) 317 Food Services Squadron;
(40) 317 Installation Squadron;
(41) 317 Motor Vehicle Squadron;
(42) 317 Base Services Squadron;
(43) 317 FIN DIS UT;
(44) 317 Medical Group;
(45) 330 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(46) 331 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(47) 332 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(48) 333 Troop Carrier Squadron;
(49) HHS 513 A B Group;
(50) HQ 513 Troop Carrier Group;
(51) 513 Troop Carrier Group;
(52) HQ 513 Maintenance Sup Group;
(53) 513 Maintenance Squadron;
(54) 513 Supply Squadron;
(55) 513 Communications Squadron;
(56) 513A Police Squadron;
(57) 513 Food Service Squadron;
(58) 513 Install Squadron;
(59) 513 Motor Vehicle Squadron;
(60) 513 Base Services Squadron;
(61) 513 Finance Distribution Unit;
(62) 513 Medical Group;
(63) HHS 7350 A B Group;
(64) 7351 Maintenance Supply Squadron;
(65) 7352 AF Police Squadron;
(66) 7353 Installation Squadron; and
(67) HHS 7497A Lift Wing;
Whereas Col. Gail Halvorsen, also known as the ``Candy
Bomber'' and recipient of the 1948 Cheney Award,
distinguished himself by launching Operation Little Vittles,
a magnanimous effort that parachuted over 3 tons of candy to
the children of Berlin, including children in the Soviet
sector;
Whereas in the face of the massive allied goodwill
offensive, the Soviets capitulated and lifted the blockade on
May 12, 1949;
Whereas the Berlin Airlift consolidated the successful use
of air transport in military operations and led to the
creation of the Air Mobility Command;
Whereas German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer noted that the
Berlin Airlift ``was a truly visible sign that America
recognized her duty to be the leader of free nations and
wanted to fulfill it.''; and
Whereas the determined actions of the Berlin Airlift sent a
clear message to the Soviet Union that the United States held
an unquestionable commitment and unwavering resolve to
prevent tyranny in Europe: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift,
and commends all of the operation's United States veterans
for their valor and determination to represent the noble
ideals that thwarted the fall of the Iron Curtain over
Berlin's western strongholds;
(2) honors the veterans of the Berlin Airlift who lost
their lives to bring the means of survival and sustenance to
civilians under siege in the service to their country;
(3) commends the spirit of collaboration which
characterized this united allied operation involving both
military and civilian aircraft and crews; and
(4) honors the men and women of the United States military
whose continued dedication to the ideals of integrity,
compassion, and liberty upholds the honorable legacy of the
United States Armed Forces, as illustrated by the Berlin
Airlift, and renews
[[Page H12161]]
our faith in the power of freedom and goodness to prevail
over tyranny.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Walz) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota.
General Leave
Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to ask unanimous consent
that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend
their remarks on H.R. 3949, as amended, and H. Res. 398.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Minnesota?
There was no objection.
Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Before I talk about the importance of the resolution before us today,
I want to thank the Committee on Armed Services for working with the
Veterans' Affairs Committee to bring this bill to the floor. And I
include for the Congressional Record the exchange of letters waiving
jurisdiction between the Committee of Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Armed Services.
Committee on Armed Services,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, October 6, 2009.
Hon. Bob Filner,
Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: On May 4, 2009, the House Resolution
398, ``Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Berlin
Airlift's success,'' was introduced in the House. As you
know, this measure was sequentially referred to the Committee
on Armed Services.
Our Committee recognizes the importance of H.R. 398 and the
need for the legislation to move expeditiously. Therefore,
while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over this
legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive
further consideration of H.R. 398. I do so with the
understanding that by waiving further consideration of the
resolution, the Committee does not waive any future
jurisdictional claims over similar measures.
I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy
of your response in the Congressional Record during
consideration of the measure on the House floor.
Very truly yours,
Ike Skelton
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, October 14, 2009.
Hon. Ike Skelton,
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Rayburn House Office
Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding
House Resolution 398, ``Recognizing the 60th anniversary of
the Berlin Airlift's success.'' This measure was referred to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and sequentially referred
to the Committee on Armed Services.
I agree that the Committee on Armed Services has certain
valid jurisdictional claims to this resolution, and I
appreciate your decision to waive further consideration of H.
Res. 398 in the interest of expediting consideration of this
important measure. I agree that by agreeing to waive further
consideration, the Committee on Armed Services is not waiving
its jurisdictional claims over similar measures in the
future.
During consideration of this measure on the House floor, I
will ask that this exchange of letters be included in the
Congressional Record.
Sincerely,
Bob Filner,
Chairman.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 398 recognizes the 60th anniversary of one of
our Nation's most commendable humanitarian airlift operations in
history.
As a whole, the United States Armed Forces is equipped with advanced
and powerful equipment which gives them significant capabilities used
not only for defense but also for humanitarian relief, as was so ably
demonstrated in Berlin from July 1948 through September 1949.
During a time of tyrannical regime, the people of Berlin were left
without the basic necessities, such as food and heat. The first
Skymasters delivered humanitarian relief to the Berlin people,
demonstrated our commitment to a free Berlin, and brought hope to all
of Eastern Europe.
I am in full support of this resolution which honors the veterans of
the Berlin Airlift who lost their lives in the service to their country
to bring the means of survival and sustenance to civilians under siege.
The Berlin Airlift embodied the spirit of collaboration, valor, and
the goodwill of all mankind. The operation stands as a testament of the
perseverance and commitment to excellence of the United States Armed
Forces. It is only right to honor the brave men and women involved in
the Berlin Airlift who set an example of our faith in the power of
freedom and goodness to overcome tyranny.
House Resolution 398 does this, and it honors the men and women of
today's Armed Forces who continue to uphold the ideals of integrity,
compassion, and liberty demonstrated by those involved in the Berlin
Airlift.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 398, a resolution
recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift's success.
The Berlin blockade from June 1948 to May 1949 was one of the first
major international crises of the Cold War and the first such crisis
that resulted in casualties. During the multinational occupation of
post-World War II Germany, the Soviet Union blocked the Western Allies'
railway and road access to the sectors of Berlin under their control.
Their aim was to force the Western powers to allow the Soviet zone to
start supplying Berlin with food and fuel, thereby giving the Soviets
practical control over the entire city.
The Truman administration reacted quickly by setting up a continual
daily airlift that brought much-needed food and supplies into the city
of West Berlin. This airlift lasted until the end of September 1949,
even though the Soviet Government yielded and lifted the blockade
itself on May 12, 1949. The Berlin Airlift resulted in the total
delivery of 1,783,573 tons of supplies by the United States and 541,937
tons of supplies totaling 2,300,000 tons delivered on 277,569 total
flights into Berlin.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution not only details a history of the Berlin
Airlift, but also provides a list of all the units involved in the
heroic effort at that time. The Berlin Airlift sent a clear message to
the Soviet Union that the United States was unwavering in its resolve
against tyranny in Europe.
I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Fortenberry), for introducing this legislation, as well as Chairman
Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for moving the bill as quickly as they
could through the subcommittee and to full consideration here on the
House floor today.
I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 398.
Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, sixty years ago, the United States,
joined by Great Britain, Australia, and South Africa embarked on a
historic operation to sustain and defend the vulnerable, entrapped
people of Berlin, Germany. The Berlin Airlift was a colossal strategic
mission that inspired strength and fortitude in those held captive by
then Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin's blockade of the Western-held
sectors of Berlin. Today, this Congress honors those responsible for
this noble feat.
The Veterans of the Berlin Airlift struck the first major blow in the
new Cold War, forcing Stalin on May 12, 1949, to lift the blockade that
impoverished Germany's capitol, thwarting the fall of the Iron Curtain
over the Western strongholds.
These airmen embodied the highest virtues of American air defense,
fusing tactical brilliance and innovation with goodness and heart in
one of the greatest humanitarian efforts of all time. In providing
food, coal, and medical supplies to the besieged citizens of West
Berlin, our veterans of the ``Greatest Generation'' led a seminal
goodwill offensive that alleviated the suffering inflicted by a
communist regime that threatened not only the peace and prosperity of
Berlin, but the peace and prosperity of the world.
As Col. Gail Halvorsen and his colleagues carpeted the streets of
Berlin with chocolates and candy during Operation Little Vittles, they
drew the hearts and minds of Berlin's children to notions of goodness
and liberty, and away from the pervasive communist propaganda that
sought to turn them against the West.
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, let us
remember the veterans who exemplified our highest ideals of brilliance
and innovation in air defense, and whose integrity and dedication to
liberty have inspired so many vulnerable people throughout the world.
Their example renews our faith in the power of freedom and goodness to
prevail over tyranny.
[[Page H12162]]
As memories of World War II and the Berlin Blockade fade with the
passing years, I believe it is even more important to commemorate the
spirit of kindness that led our veterans to bring hope and joy to the
weary and beleaguered citizens of Berlin. May we honor their legacy and
follow their example.
I am grateful for this opportunity to commemorate this noble endeavor
and to honor the memory of those who are surely with us in spirit,
those who gave the last full measure of devotion to a cause greater
than themselves, a cause that changed the course of history for the
better.
Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, so I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to unanimously support H.
Res. 398, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Walz) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 398.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________