[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 184 (Wednesday, December 9, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H14377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
          DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS AWARDED TO GEORGE OHLMAN

  (Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 28, in 
Franktown, Colorado, I was privileged to present George Ohlman with his 
Distinguished Flying Cross.
  Mr. Ohlman, 88 years old, was a pilot and flight leader in the famed 
``Thunder Bums'' fighter squadron during World War II flying combat 
missions over Europe in P-47 Thunderbolts. Ohlman flew over 100 combat 
missions in World War II. Mr. Ohlman was awarded the Distinguished 
Flying Cross for his--and I quote from the award record--
``extraordinary leadership and superior flying ability.''
  On September 3, 1944, near Mons, Belgium, then-Lieutenant Ohlman led 
his wingman in a strafing run on enemy positions. His aircraft received 
several direct hits, but he nevertheless continued the attack until out 
of ammunition. Due to the chaos and confusion prevalent during war, he 
never actually received the medal. Rectifying that oversight last month 
was a great honor for me.

                          ____________________