[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGRATULATING MAJOR STEPHEN J. BONNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RODNEY DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2015

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate my constituent, Major Stephen J. Bonner of the U.S. Air 
Force, who has earned the Congressional Gold Medal for his 
distinguished service as an American fighter pilot with the Flying 
Tiger squadron in World War II.
  Growing up in the 1930's during World War I, Major Bonner had always 
dreamt of becoming an ace. When he graduated from flight school in 
1943, his dream came true when he was assigned to fly with the 76th 
Fighter Squadron in China, battling Japanese fighter pilots in his P-40 
Warhawk.
  During his time with the Air Force, Major Bonner became a member of 
the American Fighter Aces, who have been renowned as our country's most 
distinguished fighter pilots. In both World Wars, along with the Korean 
War, and the Vietnam War, these individuals have not only courageously 
defended our nation, but have also made outstanding achievements in 
aerial combat.
  Major Bonner, now 96, lives with his daughter, Jane, just outside 
Carlinville in my district. I'm proud to congratulate Major Stephen 
Bonner for his outstanding accomplishments as an American Fighter Ace. 
The bravery and dedication he displayed as a pilot in World War II make 
him a very deserving recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal award, 
and I am proud to have such brave veterans like him in my district. 
Congratulations, Major Bonner.

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