[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING LT. COL. WILLIAM ``BILL'' C. BRYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today and 
invite my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Lt. Col. 
William ``Bill'' C. Bryan, longtime resident of Vacaville, California, 
and to recognize his many accomplishments and contributions to our 
country and the community.
  Sadly, Bill passed away at home with his wife at his side on August 
1, 2010 at the age of 90.
  I was honored to have recently visited with Bill, his wife Betty and 
daughters Geri and Karen, as well as two of his grandchildren at their 
family home. Bill and Betty shared stories about their lives together 
and proudly showed off a mini time-line of photographs from their 
wedding day, their growing family and Bill's 90th birthday party. Bill 
also recalled his service in WWII and shared with me photographs of his 
early years in the service and throughout his distinguished career. 
Bill took great pride in serving our country and his love of flying was 
evident and everlasting.
  William ``Bill'' Charles Bryan was born on April 27, 1920, in Big 
Timber, Montana, to William Franklin Bryan and Lena Bryan. Bill's 
outstanding character was no doubt evident to all who knew him, and his 
commitment to the United States Army was a true indication of his sense 
of duty and love of country.
  Bill's long career with the military started when he was drafted into 
the Army in 1942 and served in the Army Coastal Artillery Unit. In 
1943, he cross-trained and started pilot training in the Army Air 
Corps. In 1944, on his 17th mission over Germany, his B-24 was shot 
down over Austria. Bill courageously spent 14 months as a Prisoner Of 
War (POW) in Northern Germany at Stalag Luft #1. Despite often 
frightening and harrowing conditions as a POW, Bill returned to flying 
upon his release in 1946 and piloted the Douglas C-124 Globemaster and 
the Douglas C-130 Hercules. In 1947 Bill became a member of the newly 
designated United States Air Force where he continued to serve until 
retiring in 1966 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
  Bill would not remain idle after retiring from the Air Force for 
long. Following his distinguished time in the military, he embarked on 
a second fulfilling career and started his own business, ``Bill's 
Refrigeration''. Bill not only ran the business, but he also worked as 
a repairman on refrigeration systems through the neighboring 
communities until his retirement in 2004. For many years he volunteered 
his services and repaired the Vacaville Veterans Hall refrigeration 
system to continue showing his support to the veterans community.
  Over the years, Bill donated his time and talent to the Veterans 
Community and was often called upon as quest speaker at various 
veterans' services such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Remembrances and 
Prisoner of War and Missing in Action ceremonies. Bill served as an 
advisor to his local veterans groups on POW/MIA issues and was a member 
of the Quiet Birdman, Order of the Daedalians, American Legion Post 
165, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7244 and Sacramento POW Club.
  Bill's patriotism in the community was frequently recognized by his 
peers. Bill was seen standing proudly along the front row of veterans 
holding the POW/MIA flag for two hours at one event. He refused several 
attempts during the event to use a chair and he proudly proclaimed he 
was standing up, ``in support of our troops''.
  Bill is survived by his wife, Betty C. Bryan; son, Wesley William and 
wife Jerri; his daughter, Geri Bryan Hann; stepdaughter, Karen Novak 
and husband Joe; stepson, Steve Croft and wife Oolah. He was also the 
proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, once again, I would like to pay tribute to the life of 
a true American hero, Lt. Col. William ``Bill'' C. Bryan and further 
recognize his unwavering devotion to his family, his community, and his 
country.

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