[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 171 (Wednesday, October 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF LT. COL. GEORGE CARRUTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. CHIP ROY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2023

  Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Lieutenant Colonel George Carruthers. October 22, 2023, marks 
Lt. Col. Carruthers 100th birthday and the awarding of the prestigious 
French Legion of Honor medal--the highest level of recognition awarded 
by the French Government for his service to the country during WWII.
  Lt. Col. Carruthers began his military career by joining the Army Air 
Corps at nineteen years old, where he proceeded to be a 2nd Lieutenant 
Bombardier during WWII. During the war, his B-17 was shot down, and he 
spent 22 months in the German POW camp Stalag Luft 3, home of the Great 
Escape, the largest escape by allied Air Force personnel of the war.
  After the war, he went on to have a thirty-plus year career in the 
United States Air Force, being awarded numerous medals, including the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, several Air Medals, and the Purple Heart in 
recognition of his outstanding and selfless service.
  We are able to live free today because of the courage of men like Lt. 
Col. Carruthers, who put their lives on hold and answered their 
country's call when it needed them most. Love of family, country, and a 
life dedicated to service sum up the character of Lt. Col. Carruthers, 
a member of the Greatest Generation. These stories will inspire future 
generations of Americans to pursue a life dedicated to causes greater 
than themselves. I hope this testament to Lt. Col. Carruthers' life 
serves as an acknowledgment of the immeasurable debt of gratitude owed 
to him by the American people. On behalf of Texas' 21st Congressional 
District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
extraordinary life of Lt. Col. Carruthers and his dedicated service to 
our country. Today, a grateful Nation thanks him.

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