[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING COLONEL PAUL F. DUDLEY, RETIRED

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today we honor the life and service 
of Col. Paul F. Dudley, Retired, whose passing signifies a great loss 
to Nevada. I send my condolences and prayers to his wife Barbara and 
all of Mr. Dudley's family in this time of mourning, including his 6 
children, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Mr. Dudley was 
a man committed to his family, his country, his State, and his 
community. He will be sorely missed.
  Mr. Dudley was born on April 24, 1925, in Marengo, OH. After 
graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marines and served 
during World War II. Following the war, Mr. Dudley attended Otterbein 
College and served his local community as an Ohio State Patrol trooper 
and detective. He later served in the Ohio Air National Guard, 
following graduating first in his class from the Air Force in Colorado 
as a nuclear weapons maintenance officer and returning to active duty. 
Throughout his service with the Ohio Air National Guard, he commanded 
the NATO Special Ammunition Storage Site in Ghedi, Italy. In 1975, he 
moved his family to Las Vegas and served at Nellis Air Force Base to 
command the Aviation Depot Squadron. Mr. Dudley's service to this 
country has been invaluable.
  From serving in World War II, to his Air Force assignments as a 
nuclear safety officer in Italy, to his duty as an inspector general at 
the Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam, his bravery was without 
limit. Mr. Dudley received two Distinguished Flying Cross medals for 
his extraordinary actions as a Marine radioman-gunner during World War 
II and also flew in 43 combat missions throughout the Pacific campaign.
  As a World War II veteran, Mr. Dudley's commitment to his country, as 
well as his dedication to his family and community, exemplified why the 
legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations 
to come. These veterans truly are the ``greatest generation''--
selflessly serving not for recognition, but because it was the right 
thing to do. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I 
recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these 
brave individuals, but to ensure they are cared for when they return 
home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and 
servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.
  I extend my deepest sympathies to Barbara and all of Mr. Dudley's 
family. We will always remember Mr. Dudley for his courageous 
contributions to the United States of America. His service to his 
country and dedication to his family and community earn him a place 
among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our 
Nation.
  Throughout his life, Mr. Dudley maintained a dedication to keeping 
this great Nation safe, which I am honored to commend. His patriotism 
and drive will never be forgotten. Today, I join the Las Vegas 
community and citizens of the Silver State to celebrate the life of an 
upstanding Nevadan.

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