[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E825-E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF ROYCE TASKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday 
of Mr. Royce Tasker of Sherman, Texas. Mr. Tasker faithfully served the 
United States Army Air Corps in the Second World War and turned 100 
years old on August 8, 2023.
  Royce Tasker was born on August 8, 1923, in Abilene, Texas. At the 
age of 18, he enlisted in the Army in the hopes of pursuing an aviation 
path. His hard work paid off, as he passed his aviation cadet exam and 
obtained the rank of First Lieutenant. Mr. Tasker later attended 
advanced flight school in San Antonio, Texas, and was assigned as a 
bomber pilot to perform combat duty in the Pacific Theater.
  He was given orders to attack Clark Field, an American air base in 
the Philippines captured by enemy forces during the early stages

[[Page E826]]

of the Pacific war. During his mission, 1 of his B-24 Liberator's 
engines was struck by enemy fire, forcing Mr. Tasker and his crew to 
crash land in a rice paddy. Tragically, 1 of his gunners was killed, 
and several more crew members were severely burned. Thankfully, a group 
of Filipino civilians rescued them and provided shelter and aid long 
enough for the United States Navy to send a boat to pick them up. For 
his injuries sustained in combat, First Lt. Tasker received the Purple 
Heart.
  In recognition of his remarkable achievements, the city of Sherman 
has named Royce Tasker as a Texoma Hero and proclaimed July 28, 2023, 
as 1st Lieutenant Royce Tasker Day. I am proud to recognize Mr. 
Tasker's honor, courage, and steadfast patriotism here today, and I 
wish him good health for many more years to come.
  I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's 
Capital to recognize Mr. Tasker's amazing life and service to our 
Nation. May God bless Mr. Tasker on 100 years of life and joy.

                          ____________________