[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL HARRY C. ADERHOLT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Brigadier 
General Harry C. ``Heinie'' Aderholt, a true American hero and one of 
the founders of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations. On May 20, 2010, 
I and many others across the State and Nation were saddened to hear of 
the passing of General Aderholt.
  Heinie, as he was affectionately known by all who knew and loved him, 
began his military service with the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and 
retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1976. He was also known as ``Air 
Commando One,'' for his work to form what was originally called the 
First Air Commando Wing. He was the last general officer to leave 
Vietnam.
  During his service he was awarded the Legion of Merit with two oak 
leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Bronze 
Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal 
with eight oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air 
Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Emblem and the Air 
Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon with oak leaf cluster. His other 
honors include the Order of the Sword, which the non-commissioned 
officers of the Air Force Special Operations Command awarded to him in 
January 2001, the prestigious Bull Simons Award, that recognizes those 
who embody the true spirit, values, and skills of a special operations 
warrior and he was also awarded the Order of the White Elephant by the 
government of Thailand, their highest award.
  After his retirement from the Air Force, He founded the McCoskrie/
Threshold Foundation, which provides medical ancillary assistance, 
supplies, and equipment to Central and South American countries as well 
as to Laos and Thailand. He also founded the Air Commando Association.
  General Heinie Aderholt will be remembered for his valor, character, 
and strength. It was an honor to have known him as a relative, friend 
and great American Patriot, and his leadership will be missed by all 
who knew him. His influence for good for all America will live on.
  A memorial service will be held at Hurlburt Air Park, Fort Walton 
Beach, Florida, on July 2, 2010 at 9 a.m.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anne, his daughter Janet 
and son George and their families.
  Thank you Heinie for all you did for America.

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