[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 106 (Tuesday, July 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE 
  DAY, PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE EXCEPTIONAL UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 17TH 
  BOMBARDMENT WING, LIGHT OF THE FAR EAST AIR FORCES, FIFTH AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 17th Bombardment 
Wing, Light of the Far East Air Forces Fifth Air Force. The mission of 
the 17th Bomb Wing was to conduct night interdiction, reconnaissance of 
enemy supply and communications lines, seek enemy troops, and close air 
support of troops during the Korean War. The 17th Wing was composed of 
the 34th Bomb Squadron, the 37th Bomb Squadron, and the 95th Bomb 
Squadron.
  With great conviction, courage, and perseverance, the 17th 
Bombardment Wing flew 960 sorties in June 1952. Additionally, the 17th 
Wing set a new record of flying 93 sorties in just one night. 17th Wing 
set another new record for B-26 type aircraft, flying an average of 102 
hours per aircraft per month. By October 1952, astoundingly, the Wing 
set yet another record performing 1000 sorties in that month.
  The 17th Wing acquired the nickname of the black knights because of 
their night missions. The 17th Wing was the first wing to conduct work 
in two theaters of operation, Asia and Europe. The motto of the 17th 
Wing is Toujours Au Danger, meaning Ever into Danger. Even in the face 
of danger, the 17th Wing successfully completed many operations 
including the notable Spring Thaw, Bottle Neck, and Little Switch 
operations. Working to the last hour, the 17th Wing executed its last 
mission just minutes before the 2200 effective time of the cease-fire.
  The 17th Wing is a successor of one of the 15 original combat air 
groups formed before World War II. It was also the Wing that provided 
the crew and equipment for the famous Doolittle Raid, which grandiosely 
elevated and fermented American morale during World War II. The 17th 
Wing is now succeeded by the 17th Training Group.
  I am pleased to announce that there are approximately 780 members 
still alive today. Just to mention a brave few, Ted Baker, gunner of 
aircraft, Antonio Fucci, gunner of aircraft, Robert Pruett, gunner of 
aircraft, Charles Tucker, pilot, Donald H. Eaton, flight engineer, and 
Arthur Haarmeyer, navigator bombardier.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Day 
which occurred on July 27, 1953 by honoring the vast achievements of 
the 17th Bombardment Wing, Light of the Far East Air Forces Fifth Air 
Force. We thank them for their extraordinary valor and strength during 
the Korean War.