[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 78 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE FOURTH FIGHTER WING OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 2, 2011

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fourth Fighter 
Wing of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base located in Goldsboro, North 
Carolina in my Congressional district. Today, the Fourth will be 
honored at the United States Air Force Memorial with the Air Force 
Historical Foundation's James H. ``Jimmy'' Doolittle Award. The award 
recognizes the Fourth's significant contributions to the history of the 
United States Air Force, as well as its bravery, determination, 
discipline, esprit de corps and superior joint operational management.
  For over five decades the Fourth Fighter Wing has earned a 
distinguished place in both American aviation history and world 
military history. This distinction began prior to the United States 
officially entering World War II with pilots who volunteered to fly as 
part of the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons. Upon entering World War 
II, these pilots formed the Fourth Fighter Group and set records 
throughout the War, earning the motto, ``Fourth but First.'' The Fourth 
continued to contribute to its legacy and Air Force history during the 
Korean conflict by engaging in the first major all-jet fighter battle 
in history.
  The Fourth Fighter Wing proved to be a superior combat force in 
Southeast Asia during Vietnam with more than 8,000 combat missions. The 
Fourth further used their skills during the Persian Gulf War by 
conducting precision nighttime strikes against Iraqi forces. The Fourth 
Fighter Wing provided life-saving close air support in Afghanistan 
during Operation Anaconda, and contributed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
Despite risking their lives daily, the Fourth Fighter Wing has always 
served selflessly, courageously and with great distinction.
  The Fourth Fighter Wing has been a source of great pride for eastern 
North Carolina for the past 50 years while assigned to Seymour Johnson 
Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. I am very proud to see the 
dedication, sacrifices, and historical contributions of the Fourth 
Fighter Wing recognized with this award. I ask that my colleagues join 
me in congratulating the Fourth Fighter Wing on receiving the James H. 
``Jimmy'' Doolittle award and offer my sincere appreciation for their 
service to the United States of America.

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