[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E523-E524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RALPH CRAWFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2016

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Ralph

[[Page E524]]

Crawford of Villisca, Iowa. Mr. Crawford has been recognized by France 
71 years later for his bravery during his service in World War II on 
the infamous D-Day, June 6, 1944. He has been awarded the French Legion 
of Honour medal for his `gallantry of action and the liberation of 
France in World War II.' This award joins his recognition medals from 
the United States of America: Purple Heart, Air Medal and Good Conduct 
Medal.
  Stated Crawford: ``The mission was to bomb Teluth.'' Mr. Crawford 
flew three missions on D-Day as a tailgunner on a B-17 bomber. The 
mission went awry and the Nazis spotted the group and without any prior 
parachute training, Mr. Crawford and his team had to jump for their 
lives, mid-air, with no certainty as to their fate. The entire crew 
survived with some injuries and continued in service to this great 
nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Mr. Crawford for this 
exemplary award from the French government. We are all humbled by his 
service and for keeping the United States of America and its allies 
free. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress I ask 
that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join 
me in congratulating Mr. Crawford and wishing him nothing but continued 
success.

                          ____________________