[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 151 (Thursday, November 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL MORTON SALK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2012

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sorrow today following the 
passing of Lieutenant Colonel Morton Salk of Wilmington, North 
Carolina. Mr. Salk served as a bombardier in World War II and was also 
a beloved member of our community, a devoted family man, and a dear 
friend to many. Mr. Salk passed away on November 10, 2012, at the age 
of 93, and he will be dearly missed.
  Mr. Salk grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and dedicated a 
majority of his life to the service of his country. He served as a 
member of the 243rd Coastal Artillery, Narragansett Bay Harbor Defenses 
beginning on January 17, 1941. He trained as a gun commander of the 12" 
disappearing cannon and then was transferred to the Aviation Cadet 
Program and subsequently earned flight wings as a bombardier. He was 
soon advanced to a triple-rated bombardier, navigator, and radar 
operator.
  On August 24, 1943, Mr. Salk volunteered to become part of a crew for 
a mission to bomb an airfield in Hankow, China. His plane was leading 
the mission's formation as these American airmen came under direct 
attack. A 20 mm shell crashed through the windshield of Mr. Salk's 
plane, fatally wounding the pilot and incapacitating the co-pilot. 
Although he was not a pilot, Mr. Salk pulled the pilot from his seat 
and proceeded to fly the plane for 15 minutes, saving at least eight 
U.S. Airmen.
  Mr. Salk earned a number of honors for his heroic actions, including 
the Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Defense Service 
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Distinguished Flying 
Cross presented by General Chennault of the Flying Tigers for 
completing 57 missions. After the war, Mr. Salk continued his service 
as a flying officer with the United States Air Force for 25 years 
before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then spent the next 26 
years of his life working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, who 
sought out Mr. Salk for his extraordinary knowledge of aircraft 
intelligence.
  Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Morton Salk was a fine patriot and I 
have the utmost respect for his bravery. Though a humble man, his 
efforts garnered him praise from the press, fellow citizens, and 
elected officials. His courage will continue to serve as an inspiration 
to us all. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the 
life of Lieutenant Colonel Morton Salk.

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