[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 145 (Monday, October 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF DR. CLAUDE ROBERT PLATTE

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                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 14, 2013

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Dr. 
Claude Robert Platte, a man who dedicated his life in service of his 
family, community and nation. Dr. Platte grew up in Fort Worth, Texas 
where he attended James E. Guinn elementary and graduated from Fort 
Worth's historic I.M. Terrell High School. Mr. Platte went on to 
Tuskegee Institute where he received a Degree in Mechanical engineering 
with a Minor in Aeronautics.
  Dr. Platte joined the military where he was assigned to the 301st 
Fighter Squadron. Dr. Platte served as primary flight instructor, 
training over 400 blacks to solo and fly PT13s, PT17s and PT19s. The 
pilots he trained amassed an unmatched military record as fighter 
pilots. He broke racial and educational barriers in the military as the 
first black officer to be trained and commissioned in the newly 
reopened Air Force Pilot Training Program. He was trained at Randolph 
Field AFB Texas. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Captain 
in 1965 after 18 years of service.
  After his military service, Dr. Platte continued his work in the 
community as a Member of Guardianship Services, an organization that 
supplies court appointed guardians for people in need, and the Knights 
of St. Peter Claver Court 89, a Catholic organization that provides 
community services nationwide.
  He was Founder of the DFW Tuskegee Airmen Chapter established in May 
2005 to provide educational assistance to youth. Dr. Platte along with 
other Original Tuskegee Airmen traveled around the world sharing their 
story with children, inspiring them to reach their goals. In 2008 the 
Claude R. Platte Future Pilots Flight School was established to 
continue the legacy of all of the Tuskegee Airmen by teaching different 
aspects of aviation which includes flying, building, designing and 
maintaining aircraft to the youth.
  Dr. Claude R. Platte received several honors for his service. He 
received the Good Conduct Medal and Service in The European War Medal 
while in the military. On February 23, 2006 he received an Honorary 
Doctorate in Public Service from Tuskegee University. On March 29, 2007 
he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the President of the 
United States for his service to the country as an Original Tuskegee 
Airmen.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues please join me in honor and remembrance of 
Dr. Claude Robert Platte whose kind spirit and dedicated service 
touched many lives. He is survived by his wife Erma Bonner Platte; 
stepson Alfred M. Williams; Marie Platte Godsey; cousins, Edwina 
Higgins and Lois Platte, Nathaniel George Hagler, Dr. Nathaniel G. and 
Royace Hagler, Jr. and the Rev. Gaylan Hagler; nieces Alyssa Godsey, 
Ginger Platte, Attral and Arwa Platte, Jr., Gary Platte; sister in law 
Johanna McCully Bonner; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, 
other relatives and friends. I offer my condolences and deepest 
sympathy to his wife and family. May he rest in peace.

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