[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E416-E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING WILLIAM C. TOOMBS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. FRENCH HILL

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 2024

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor WWII veteran and 
Arkansas Native, Mr. William Toombs, who will soon celebrate his 100th 
birthday.
  Mr. Toombs served as a flight engineer gunner on both B17s and B24s 
with the 493rd bomb group of the 8th Army Air Force, also known as the 
``Mighty 8th.''
  He flew his first mission on June 6, 1944--D-Day--and went on to 
carry out over twenty successful missions.
  For his heroism, Toombs was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 
as well as several Air Medals and foreign decorations. In 2021, he was 
inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame.
  Mr. Toombs has been an active spokesman for the ``Mighty 8th,'' 
sharing their story in numerous interviews, and has continued to serve

[[Page E417]]

his fellow veterans through his membership in several veterans 
organizations.
  I thank Mr. William Toombs for his service and congratulate him on 
his 100th birthday.

                          ____________________