[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 81 (Monday, June 10, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S4054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO ROBERT MARTIN, TUSKEGEE AIRMAN

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
the remarkable service of Robert Martin, who has spent his life 
overcoming racial barriers and giving back to his country through 
extraordinary military and public service.
  Born and raised in Dubuque, IA, Mr. Martin, in his youth and 
throughout his life, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to 
academics, athletics, and community service. He participated in Boy 
Scouts despite threats and backlash from fellow scouts' parents. He was 
also ultimately inducted into the Dubuque Senior High School Athletic 
Hall of Fame. He graduated from Iowa State University earning a degree 
in electrical engineering and obtained a pilot's license.
  Mr. Martin, while still in college, applied to join the U.S. Army Air 
Corps and was accepted after he was drafted into service. He began his 
military career in Fort Dodge, but was transferred to Tuskegee, AL, to 
train in the Army's Black pilot program, where he received the rank of 
commissioned second lieutenant and specialized in operating the AT-6 
Texan and the P-40 War Hawk. He then, in 1944, became an active fighter 
pilot in Italy, conducting over 60 long-range combat missions as part 
of the 100th Fighter Squadron. His squadron defended B-17 Flying 
Fortresses from German assaults. On March 3, 1945, he was shot down by 
ground fire in Yugoslavia. He parachuted from his burning plane and 
successfully avoided German capture with the help of Yugoslavian 
partisans. Upon his recovery, he returned to the U.S. and was honorably 
discharged.
  After being discharged, Mr. Martin continued to serve in the Army Air 
Corps Reserves, rising to the rank of captain. Following his military 
career, he maintained a commitment to public service, serving as an 
engineer for Cook County, IL. He was also a leader in Tuskegee Airmen, 
Inc., an organization whose members travel the country as educators and 
historians.
  Mr. Martin was awarded a number of accolades for his service, 
including the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Purple Heart, an Air Medal 
with six Oak Leaf Clusters, and, in 2007, the Congressional Gold Medal. 
Moreover, he was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame and 
presented the George Washington Carver Medal from Simpson College, 
which recognizes individuals who have served as an inspiration to 
others; demonstrated leadership and conviction; advanced the fields of 
science, education, the arts, or religion; and dedicated themselves to 
addressing humanitarian issues. Mr. Martin's record exemplifies the 
extraordinary military service African Americans performed and the 
dedication that they displayed for their country in spite of the 
prejudice they experienced.
  Robert Martin is a remarkable citizen, truly deserving of his many 
decorations and my gratitude. I wish him and his family all the best 
and thank him and all the Tuskegee Airmen for their steadfast service.

                          ____________________