[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 RECOGNIZING EIGHT NIGHT STALKERS OF THE 4TH BATTALION, 160TH SPECIAL 
 OPERATIONS AVIATION REGIMENT, RECIPIENTS OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING 
                                 CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CWO-4 
Bernard Litaker, Jr., CWO-3 Maciek Mankowski, CWO-3 Todd Peterson, 
Staff Sgt. Benjamin Tate, Staff Sgt. Stanley Yeadon, Sgt. Jason Brown, 
Sgt. Jeremy Gribble, and Spc. Matthew Jones who received the 
Distinguished Flying Cross for their extraordinary service and valor. I 
recently had the privilege to meet with the leadership of these eight 
brave servicemen of the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations 
Aviation Regiment (Airborne) located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and 
believe that they have achieved the pinnacle of military excellence.
  The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to members of the Armed 
Forces of the United States who distinguish themselves through heroism 
above and beyond the call of duty while participating in aerial flight, 
an award which these men have undoubtedly earned.
  On a late September 2009 evening in Afghanistan, these men embarked 
on a high-priority, high-risk mission that would necessitate that they 
put their lives at risk to protect other forces. The unexpected call 
required them to quickly develop and execute a plan, but the ensuing 
enemy fire would force them to adapt to the increasingly dangerous 
situation. The pilots gave heroic flying performances, expertly 
navigating their helicopters while calling out enemy threats to their 
gunners.
  Upon completing their objective and reaching safety, they learned 
they would need to return for a casualty evacuation. Once again landing 
their aircraft mere meters from their target, the men held off enemy 
fire and successfully flew the target to safety. Facing seemingly 
insurmountable odds, not once but twice, these eight brave Night 
Stalkers demonstrated skillful flying and venerable courage in the face 
of danger.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
please join me in congratulating these eight brave men for their 
commendable service and thanking them for the sacrifices they have made 
for their country.

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