[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 82 (Friday, May 13, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  0915
            WELCOME HOME CORPORAL LAVERNE ``DIRK'' VAN DYKE

  (Mr. HUIZENGA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome home Corporal 
Laverne ``Dirk'' Van Dyke, who sacrificed his life during World War II, 
and was finally laid to rest in his and my hometown of Zeeland, 
Michigan, after nearly 80 years.
  U.S. Army Air Force Corporal Dirk Van Dyke served as a flight 
engineer on a B-25C aircraft in the Pacific theater when his plane went 
missing. Corporal Van Dyke and six other crewmembers were last seen 
departing an airport on the reconnaissance mission off the coast of New 
Guinea on January 18, 1943.
  Despite an extensive search, members of the Fifth Air Force were not 
able to locate the plane or the airmen. Many years later the wreckage 
was discovered in the mountains of Papua New Guinea, and the remains of 
Corporal Van Dyke and others were seemingly identified but were 
inconclusive. However, recently the Department of Defense officially 
considered Corporal Van Dyke accounted for.
  Madam Speaker, we will never forget the selfless actions, sacrifice, 
and dedication to our country by these servicemembers and what they 
displayed.
  To Corporal Van Dyke's family, our entire Nation holds you in our 
prayers as we get ready and prepare for Memorial Day, and as you 
welcome Dirk home as an American hero. Rest easy, Corporal Van Dyke. 
Rest easy.

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