[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 72 (Friday, April 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SERGEANT NORMAN ``NORM'' CRONE FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD SMUCKER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2024

  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Air Force 
Sergeant Norman ''Norm'' Crone for his devotion and service to our 
Nation.
  Norm enlisted in the Air Force as a young man, inspired by his 
father's passion for model airplanes. After undergoing basic training 
and aircraft and engine school to become a mechanic, Norm's role 
changed when he was instead asked to be a flight engineer due to a 
shortage. He serviced the C54 Globe Master aircraft mostly out of 
Wiesbaden, Germany, often flying over the Iron Curtain.
  Norm had the unique honor of flying with ``the Candy Bomber'' 
himself, Colonel Gail Halverson, during the Berlin Airlift. Norm helped 
package and attach the parachutes to the Hershey's chocolate bars being 
dropped to the children. He reflected, ``It was a heartwarming 
experience to see the children eagerly waiting below . . . knew we were 
making their day a little brighter.''
  Norm was discharged at the beginning of the Korean War, prompting him 
to reenlist and serve his country again. He was stationed in Kadena 
Okinawa, Japan, with a team carrying out bombing missions near the 
Manchurian border.
  During his service, Norm suffered an injury in a plane crash. In 
Korea, he also had to bail out during a bombing mission, in which many 
servicemen did not survive. In honor of his remarkable service, he has 
received numerous awards, including the WWII Victory Medal. the United 
Nations Service with the Air Force, and the Purple Heart.
  Mr. Speaker, it takes someone of extraordinary character to risk 
their life, time after time, for the sake of this country. As we mark 
the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, I want to thank Norm for 
his exemplary service to our Nation. We are forever indebted to his 
heroism and bravery in the line of duty.

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