[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 41 (Thursday, March 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S1819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING LIEUTENANT JAY FREDERICK SIMPSON

  Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I rise today in honor of a man who gave 
his life serving the United States of America in World War II.
  LT Jay Frederick Simpson was a pilot with the ``Mighty Eighth'' Air 
Force of the U.S. Army Air Corps.
  On January 9, 1944, Lieutenant Simpson's mission was to test fly a 
Thunderbolt P-47 over Moreton, England. But something went wrong. His 
plane caught fire and flipped over in the air. As the P-47 hurtled to 
the ground, witnesses say Lieutenant Simpson managed to guide it away 
from nearby homes, avoiding certain casualties. Instead that P-47 
crashed in a nearby field, killing the 27-year-old pilot.
  Today, LT Jay Simpson is still celebrated as a hero in England. In 
fact, you can find a memorial to him in that grassy field.
  But for three generations following Lieutenant Simpson's death, his 
heroism was overlooked by his own country. Until a year and a half ago. 
That is when a young man in Billings, MT, started doing some research. 
With help from his father and his grandfather, 14-year-old James 
Simpson discovered that his great-grandfather Jay never received the 
recognition he earned as a fallen American hero.
  Young Jim Simpson wrote me a letter, saying proper recognition of his 
great-grandfather's service and sacrifice would bring about much needed 
closure for his family.
  Indeed, honoring our heroes brings about much needed closure for all 
Americans. On behalf of a grateful nation, it is my tremendous honor to 
present LT Jay Simpson's medals to his great-grandson.
  To Jim and all the Simpson family: Let these medals be family 
treasures that remind you--and all of us--that this Nation will never 
forget Jay's heroism. And we will never forget all Americans--known or 
unknown, celebrated or overlooked--who paid the ultimate price in 
service to the United States.
  It is said that Lieutenant Simpson was a member of the Greatest 
Generation. But thanks to people like young Jim Simpson, I am reminded 
that there is greatness in all generations.
  Thank you, Jim, for your hard work in allowing us to honor your 
great-grandfather. God bless you and your family.

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