[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 63 (Monday, May 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COLONEL GEORGE D. BURROW

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2012

  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor a decorated war veteran who has made countless sacrifices for our 
great nation. Retired Colonel George D. Burrow, an American hero, has 
received numerous medals and recognitions for his unwavering service.
  Colonel Burrow was born on May 6, 1932 in Port Arthur, Texas. He 
began his military career in 1950, when he joined the Texas National 
Guard. By 1958, he graduated from Officer Candidate School as a 
Distinguished Military Graduate with an Army commission. Shortly after 
becoming an officer, Mr. Burrow became airborne and aviator qualified.
  Colonel Burrow served five tours overseas during times of crisis, 
including in Germany, Korea and Vietnam. During these conflicts, Mr. 
Burrow built the reputation of a genuinely modest, superior warrior 
that executed his missions with phenomenal efficiency and brilliance.
  One of the many examples of Burrow's impressive leadership was his 
guidance over the Bravo Troop of the famed 1st Squadron, 9th Calvary 
during the Vietnam War. Burrow commanded the 27 Huey helicopters of 
Bravo Troop and the legendary group of choppers acquired the nickname-
''Burrow's Barbarians.'' Bravo Troop accounted for more than 2,000 
confirmed enemy kills between April 1967 and February 1968.
  Colonel Burrow demonstrated unparalleled bravery and perseverance 
during battle. He was shot down a total of 13 times in Vietnam. When 
asked about how he managed to survive these seemingly hopeless events, 
he doesn't boast of his courage and inordinate ability to lead. 
Instead, Burrow praises his fellow service men that courageously fought 
alongside him and often times rescued Colonel Burrow and his men.
  Colonel George Burrow retired after 39 years of service to the United 
State of America; his medals include the Distinguished Service Cross, 
Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Crosses (3rd Award), Legion of Merit, 
Bronze Star (2nd Award), Air Medal (34th Award), Purple Heart (31st 
Award), DOD Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, 
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), 
Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat 
Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Master Army Aviator Wings, 
Parachute Badge, and Joint Chief of Staff Badge. Furthermore, to 
continue the remembrance of Burrow's service, he was inducted into the 
Infantry Hall of Fame in 1979.
  Mr. Speaker, Retired Colonel George Burrow celebrated his Eightieth 
Birthday on May 6th, 2012 and it is a great honor for me to recognize 
an American hero on this day. I will conclude this account of Colonel 
Burrow's selfless accomplishments by asking my colleagues to join me in 
reflecting on, and recognizing him, as one of America's greatest men.

                          ____________________