[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 118 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING THE MEMORY OF CHARLES BENJAMIN BASYE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2024

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Benjamin 
``Ben'' Basye and his 43 years of dedication to serving this country. 
Ben served as a Navy pilot in the United States Pacific Fleet during 
World War II and in the Korean War.
  For his time and service during World War II, Ben was awarded 
multiple medals including the World War II Medal and a Good Conduct 
Medal. In 1949, he was one of the first Navy Pilots to land a jet on a 
carrier. He did this in a Grumann F9F Panther Jet Fighter during the 
earliest stages of catapult take-off and landing operations. As a 
reservist, he served as a Consulting Engineer and Maintenance Officer. 
He retired from the Navy on his 60th birthday in 1987 at the rank of 
Captain.
  Ben dedicated is life to improve the United States education system. 
Mr. Basye earned a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, to which 
he then served 37 years as an engineering professor in higher 
education. He wrote two books regarding his time in the military and 
education system and the values that should be upheld in these great 
American institutions.
  Ben Basye was the embodiment of American ideals and exemplified at an 
extraordinary level what it means to be an American. Ben was willing to 
make any sacrifice, including the ultimate sacrifice, required to 
defend the values of the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to commemorate the 
life and service of a proud American, Veteran, and family man, Charles 
Benjamin Basye.

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