[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING 1ST LIEUTENANT RONALD KIMLER, USAF

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2021

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor and recognize 1st Lt. Ronald Kimler for his service in the United 
States Air Force during World War II and the Korean War.
  When he enlisted in the Air Force out of high school, 1st Lt. Kimler 
progressed through a challenging series of flight schools before 
earning his wings in May of 1944. After shipping out from Richmond, 
Virginia to Europe, he was primarily stationed in Belgium. During the 
Second World War, 1st Lt. Kimler flew 38 missions with the 9th Air 
Force, ranging from bombing supply trains to supporting troop 
deployments. When our nation engaged in the conflict in Korea, he 
answered the call and served in the Air Force for an additional year 
and nine months.
  For his service, 1st Lt. Kimler earned numerous awards, including the 
Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the American Campaign Medal, 
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation 
Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
  One lasting impact that stands out from his service was 1st Lt. 
Kimler's connection to his fellow airmen. In the face of risk-filled 
and challenging missions, they became, in 1st Lt. Kimler's words, 
``closer than blood relatives.'' This bond led 1st Lt. Kimler to 
regularly keep in touch with a number of his comrades, speaking with 
them several times a month over decades despite serving together more 
than 70 years ago.
  While his service is deserving of high praise, notably earning the 
nickname ``flak bait'' for the number of times his plane was hit, 1st 
Lt. Kimler has always put the focus on his fellow servicemembers. 
Instead of glamorizing his own actions, he has always looked to 
memorialize the over four hundred thousand Americans who lost their 
lives in World War II. This attitude reflects the best nature of our 
country--Americans working together for a common cause and united in 
our gratitude for the sacrifice of our fellow countrymen.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 1st Lt. 
Ronald Kimler for his devotion to the United States of America and 
courageous service during the Second World War and the Korean War.

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