[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS OF PHILIP INNES ESCHBACH, 
                          JR., ``THE COLONEL''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2023

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a true southern gentleman 
and patriot of great distinction, Mr. Philip Innes Eschbach, Jr., 
affectionately known as ``The Colonel''.
  During World War II, Mr. Eschbach was stationed in Dijon, France, 
where, despite the odds of survival, he piloted a B-26 Martin Marauder 
on 56 bomber flights against the Axis in Italy and France.
  During the war he received the French Croix de Guerre. More recently, 
on May 4, 2013, he was further personally honored by the French 
government for his heroic deeds in the liberation of their country when 
they made him an honorary commandant. His daughter, Mary, coordinated 
his itinerary, and his son, Phil, accompanied him on his trip back to 
France for the festivities.
  After the war, Mr. Eschbach earned his bachelor's and master's 
degrees at the University of Florida. He became active in community 
affairs and began teaching school. Katie, I, and many others were 
fortunate enough to have him as an English teacher before he went on to 
teach in high school and college.
  He never shared any of his war experiences with his students, and 
they were unknown to me, until he wrote his memoirs in 2004 in a book 
titled, THE KICKING MULES.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing this hero, dedicated 
teacher, friend, and role model to so many, congratulations for 
completing another mission--his upcoming 100th orbit around the Sun.
  Happy Birthday to the Colonel.

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