[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROBERT DITTMER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Robert Dittmer. Mr. Dittmer, who passed away at the age of 103, 
leaves behind an indelible legacy of service to his country and the 
Solano County Community.
  Born in Oakland, California in 1920, Mr. Dittmer was a lifelong 
resident of Northern California. As America entered World War II, Mr. 
Dittmer's commitment to his country led him to join the United States 
Army Air Corps. He flew 35 successful combat missions over Germany, 
ultimately becoming a Second Lieutenant and earning an Air Medal for 
his service.
  As the war ended, Mr. Dittmer's service to others continued. He 
joined the fire service and became the Assistant Chief of the 
Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base Fire Department. In 1956, Mr. Dittmer 
was awarded a commendation for entering the burning wreckage of a 
crashed aircraft and saving the life of the injured crew.
  After retiring from the Fire Department, Mr. Dittmer continued to 
serve his community, advancing efforts to identify and address unmet 
needs in Solano County. He facilitated local real-estate ventures to 
bolster the local economy and was a critical leader within the downtown 
Fairfield business community.
  Mr. Dittmer will be remembered not only for his decades of service to 
his country and the Solano County community but also for his genuine 
spirit of selflessness and innovation. He impacted the lives of 
countless members of his community, and his steadfast leadership 
undeniably enhanced the lives of his fellow Solano County residents.
  Mr. Dittmer's enduring spirit will live on in his son, daughter, four 
grandchildren, and the community he dedicated his life to serving. I 
want to extend my deepest sympathy to Mr. Dittmer's loved ones. I know 
they and the people of Solano County join me in celebrating his life 
and legacy.

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