[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF BRIGADIER GENERAL FREDERICK R. PAYNE, JR., 
               USMC, RET. ON THE OCCASION OF HIS PASSING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Brigadier 
General Frederick ``Fritz'' R. Payne, Jr., a Marine Corps American 
Fighter Ace, recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal, dedicated husband 
to the late Dorothy Payne, and proud father and grandfather.
   General Payne led a life centered on service, commitment, and 
sacrifice. In May, I was honored to present General Payne with the 
Congressional Gold Medal for his dedicated service to the Marine Corps 
and status as the oldest living American Fighter Ace, an elite group of 
pilots having downed at least five enemy aircraft in battle. Time after 
time, General Payne risked his life to preserve the freedom of all 
Americans, and time after time, General Payne was successful in his 
mission. For this, I am grateful.
   In 1935, after graduating from the University of Arizona, Fritz 
joined the Marine Corps in an effort to pursue his dream of becoming a 
pilot. Not only did he achieve this dream, but after encountering 
fierce conflict over Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands Area, he also 
achieved status among the most elite fighter pilots, American Fighter 
Aces. Our freedom endures because of the bravery of men and women like 
General Payne.
   General Payne is survived by his two sons, Robert Payne and Dewitt 
Payne; daughter Elizabeth Ann Payne; and three grandchildren. His wife, 
Dorothy Payne, predeceased him in 2011.
   Mr. Speaker, General Payne's selfless service and vast military 
achievements in pursuit of the preservation of our American freedoms 
and ideals deserves acknowledgement. On behalf of all Americans, and in 
particular the residents of California's 36th Congressional District, I 
would like to honor the life and military service of Brigadier General 
Federick ``Fritz'' R. Payne, Jr.

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