[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 117 (Thursday, June 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GENERAL WILLIAM LYON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2020

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an outstanding individual, General William Lyon, who passed away at the 
age of 97 on May 22, 2020. ``The General,'' as his friends knew him, 
was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a 
decorated military veteran, a dedicated philanthropist, and an esteemed 
community leader in Southern California. He will be deeply missed.
  William Lyon was born March 9, 1923, in Los Angeles, California. 
Throughout the 1940s Lyon studied business at the University of 
Southern California and attended the Dallas Aviation School and Air 
College. While there, he trained military pilots as a civilian 
instructor before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. During World 
War II he served as a pilot in Europe, the Pacific, and North Africa 
and after the war he joined the Air Force Reserve in 1946. During the 
early 1950s, he returned to active duty and flew 75 combat missions 
throughout the Korean War. In 1975, Lyon was appointed Chief of the Air 
Force Reserve by President Ford, a title he held until he retired from 
the military in 1979. Throughout his years of service, Lyon received 
numerous awards and decorations including the Distinguished Service 
Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 
three oak clusters, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
  In addition to his military accolades, Lyon was best known for his 
successful career in home building, real estate, and commercial 
aviation. He began his business as a modest effort to provide homes for 
military personnel returning from service and others across California. 
His efforts eventually evolved into William Lyon Homes, Inc. which grew 
into one of the nation's largest homebuilders responsible for 
constructing more than 100,000 homes across the western United States. 
Throughout his life, Lyon remained an active pilot and often flew his 
own jet and functional World War II-era planes. In 2008, he flew a 
vintage B-17 Flying Fortress to Washington D.C. to participate in a 
memorial ceremony.
  A proud Trojan, Lyon's undergraduate degree was only the beginning of 
his involvement with USC. In 1986, he was elected to the university's 
Board of Trustees and remained a longtime advocate and supporter of 
USC's research and programs throughout his life. An active 
philanthropist and community leader, Lyons donated to organizations 
such as the Orangewood Children's Foundation and the Segerstrom Center 
for the Arts where he served for 30 years as a director of the board 
and formerly as chairman. Additionally, he was a chairman of the Boy 
Scouts of America, the Orange County Council, and served as the board 
chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way. He 
founded the Lyon Air Museum, located next to John Wayne Airport which 
exhibits authentic aircraft, vehicles, and memorabilia from the World 
War II era.
  I had the pleasure of knowing the General through his service to 
Southern California and can personally attest to his numerous 
achievements and the countless lives he touched. He was a great 
American, a true patriot, an esteemed leader, and a dedicated husband, 
father, and friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife of 48 
years, Willa Dean, to their children, Susan, Christine, Marcia, and 
Bill, their grandchildren, and the rest of his family and friends. 
Although the General may no longer be with us, he will continue to have 
a lasting impact on the lives of his family and community.

                          ____________________