[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM OVERSTREET, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2014

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and Representatives 
Robert Hurt and Morgan Griffith, I submit these remarks in honor of the 
remarkable life of William Overstreet, Jr. and his dedicated service to 
the United States of America.
  Mr. Overstreet, a native of Clifton Forge, VA and a longtime resident 
of Roanoke, VA, was a veteran of World War II. He served as a Captain 
in the U.S. Army Air Force with the 357th Fighter Group. He flew more 
than 100 missions in Europe. While on a mission in 1944, Mr. 
Overstreet's flight turned into a moment that will forever be captured 
in history. In pursuit of a German aircraft, Mr. Overstreet flew his 
plane beneath the arches of the Eiffel Tower in Nazi-occupied Paris, 
shooting down the enemy plane. His actions were a source of great 
encouragement and motivation for the French people and French 
Resistance troops on the ground.
  Mr. Overstreet received numerous honors for his actions, including 
France's Legion of Honor in 2009 from the French ambassador to the 
United States at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. When 
presenting the medal, the French ambassador lauded the actions of Mr. 
Overstreet and the role he played in the liberation of France.
  Mr. Overstreet passed away on December 29, 2013 at the age of 92. To 
many in the Roanoke community, he was known as a selfless man who was 
dedicated to serving others. For those who knew Mr. Overstreet, it was 
certainly a well-deserved honor.
  His heroic actions in the face of the enemy have inspired many and 
will live on in stories told of ``The Greatest Generation'' of 
Americans who fought to preserve the principles we hold dear. As we 
remember the life of Mr. Overstreet and his valiant flight, it is a 
reminder that we must always pay tribute to our veterans and active 
military who have made tremendous sacrifices to ensure that the United 
States of America remains a country where liberty and freedom prevail.

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