[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H3545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING PHILIP KIRKWOOD

  (Mr. JOLLY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a real American 
hero who risked his life to preserve the freedoms we all enjoy today. 
Yesterday, Navy Ace Commander Philip Kirkwood of Seminole, Florida, 
accepted the Congressional Gold Medal presented to our American Fighter 
Aces.
  Born in New Jersey, Mr. Kirkwood enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. 
Earning his Navy wings a year later, Mr. Kirkwood joined the VF-10 
flying Hellcats off of the USS Enterprise. Mr. Kirkwood recorded his 
first air victory over the Caroline Islands in 1944, but it would be 
far from his last. Over his distinguished career, Commander Kirkwood 
recorded 12 confirmed victories and 1 probable.
  One of fewer than 80 living fighter aces, Commander Kirkwood is 
decorated with the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the 
Air Medal with five Gold Stars.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Commander Kirkwood for 
his years of service and his bravery.
  May God bless Philip Kirkwood, and may God bless each of our American 
Fighter Aces.

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