[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E397-E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING FIRST LIEUTENANT DALE HAVER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS H. KEAN, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2024

  Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
service and sacrifice of First Lieutenant Dale Haver in the Vietnam 
War.
  Lt. Haver grew up in Whitehouse Station, NJ, now part of New Jersey's 
Seventh District. An accomplished student athlete, he was a leader on 
many sports teams at Hunterdon Central High School. After leaving New 
Jersey, Lt. Haver attended the University of Montana and became a 
firefighter. He joined the U.S. Forest Service in Missoula, Montana, as 
a smokejumper, parachuting into remote woodlands to fight wildfires. He 
routinely undertook the most challenging assignments, impressing all 
with his dedication and talent.
  In 1968, Lt. Haver was deployed to Vietnam with the U.S. Army as a 
helicopter pilot, where he flew more than 25 missions over hostile 
territory in under six months of service. On April 9, 1969, Lt. Haver 
was piloting a rescue operation when his aircraft experienced a 
technical malfunction and crash-landed. Lt. Haver stayed with the 
wreckage, assisting his flight crew in escaping despite having suffered 
3rd degree burns. Sadly, he passed away from his injuries two days 
later. For his remarkable courage and selflessness, Lt. Haver was 
posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, 
and the Air Medal, to add to the Air Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Ribbon he had earned 
prior to his death.
  Furthermore, he was awarded the National Order of Vietnam, Fifth 
Class by the Republic of Vietnam.

[[Page E398]]

  Lt. Haver's service for his country both domestically and abroad 
deserves strong commendation. I am proud to recognize his bravery and 
patriotism today and am glad that his legacy lives on in the Seventh 
District of New Jersey.

                          ____________________