[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 17, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REMEMBERING BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES KEMP McLAUGHLIN

  Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the legacy of a 
member of our greatest generation, the founder and first commander of 
the West Virginia Air National Guard, a World War II veteran, an 
American hero, and a friend of both of ours, retired Brig. Gen. James 
Kemp McLaughlin.
  He was born on December 7, 1918, in Braxton County, to James and 
Almira McLaughlin. Kemp was a staunch leader with unparalleled 
patriotism, and his devotion to God, State, and country was unmatched. 
Gayle and I were honored to call him a friend, and I know I join so 
many when I say that West Virginia has lost a shining star. He is 
dearly missed.
  Ever since the historic beginning of our State, we have never failed 
to answer our country's call. No demand has been too great, no danger 
too daunting, and no trial too threatening. Kemp took part in some of 
the most important battles of World War II. Following his education at 
West Virginia University, Kemp joined the U.S. Air Corps at age 23, 
shortly before the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the day of his birthday.
  He flew nearly 40 B-17 Flying Fortress bomber missions during the 
war, including support for the troops on the beaches of Normandy in 
1944. In 1934, Kemp led a 350-plane attack on a factory in Germany, a 
raid that became known as Black Thursday. On too many occasions, Kent's 
planes would be so damaged that it was a miracle he made it back safe.
  His actions were instrumental in not only destroying Nazi efforts, 
but as one of the ``Mighty'' 8th Air Force in Europe, he was also 
instrumental in developing what is known as air superiority, a vital 
factor in deciding the outcome of a modern conventional war. He paved 
the way for all citizen airmen who strive to follow in his footsteps.
  Kemp completed 39 combat missions during World War II and was awarded 
the Distinguished Flying Cross four times. His vast experience aided 
him years later when he was asked to lead the Air National Guard's 
167th Fighter Squadron in Charleston, WV. When that squadron moved to 
Martinsburg, Charleston's Guard unit became the 130th Airlift Wing.

  Throughout the rest of his extraordinary life, Kemp continued to pay 
homage to his fallen comrades and serve his community. He served as 
Kanawha County commissioner and as a member of the West Virginia House 
of Delegates. He is a legend here in West Virginia and was one of the 
most selfless people that I have ever had the pleasure of calling a 
dear friend.
  As Governor, my most honored titled was that of commander-in-chief of 
the Guard. I have seen firsthand how the Air National Guard protects 
the citizens of West Virginia when we are in our most desperate hour of 
need and how they protect our country when called upon to serve at the 
command of the President of the United States. The integrity of our 
Guard is due in large part to Kemp's legacy of excellence and his 
commitment to seeing our Guard and our home State flourish.
  When visitors come to West Virginia, I jump at the chance to tell 
them we are home to the most hard-working and patriotic people in the 
Nation. We have fought in more wars, shed more blood, and lost more 
lives for the cause of freedom than most any other State. We have 
always done the heavy lifting and never complained.
  We have mined the coal and forged the steel that built the guns, 
ships, and factories that have protected and continue to protect our 
country to this day. I am so deeply proud of what West Virginians like 
Kemp have accomplished and what they will continue to accomplish to 
protect the freedoms we hold dear. We have every reason to be proud and 
to stand tall knowing that West Virginia is the reason Americans sleep 
peacefully at night.
  Kemp is survived by his children, Laura, Mary, and Kemp, Jr., and 
their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I know he and Constance, 
his lovely wife of nearly 50 years, are looking down on each of you and 
all of us with a smile.
  West Virginia is great because our people are great--Mountaineers who 
will always be free. We are tough, independent, inventive, and honest, 
our character shaped by the wilderness of our State--its rushing 
streams, its boundless blue skies, its divine forests, and its majestic 
mountains. We are West Virginians. Like the brave, loyal patriots who 
made our State the 35th star on Old Glory, our love of God and country 
and family and State is unshakeable.
  I know that 20, 50, or another 156 years from now, that will always 
remain the same. That legacy laid the groundwork for heroes like Kemp 
McLaughlin, and now, he serves as an inspiration to all who wish to 
follow in his footsteps and live a life filled with patriotism, 
service, faith, and family.
  There are so few of our American heroes left from Kemp's generation. 
It is our responsibility and privilege to ensure that their service and 
sacrifice is never forgotten. The sun will never set on Kemp's legacy 
of service, his generosity, his love for his family, and his devotion 
to God, our home State, and our beautiful country.
  I know with the condolences of myself and you, Madam President, that 
we will always remember and keep Kemp in our prayers.
  Thank you, and God bless.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado.

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