[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1399-H1400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING LIEUTENANT MALCOLM A. CHAMPAGNE

  (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the

[[Page H1400]]

House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and the legacy of Lieutenant Malcolm A. Champagne, a World War II 
veteran and Purple Heart recipient who passed away in December.
  As a true patriot, he told his parents on December 17, 1942: ``The 
country is in trouble. I need to go.'' He then commissioned into the 
Army Air Forces.
  He served as a member of the Eighth Air Force, which was activated in 
Savannah, Georgia, in January 1942. The Eighth Air Force, commonly 
referred to as ``The Mighty Eighth,'' is regarded as one of the 
greatest air forces in history.
  On October 14, 1943, the day known as Black Thursday, Lieutenant 
Champagne's B-17 bomber was attacked and plummeted from the sky. He was 
captured by the Nazis, but despite injuries, malnutrition, and 
psychological distress, his spirit remained unbroken.
  On April 29, 1945, he was liberated after 18 months in captivity.
  In 2023, 80 years after his service in World War II, Lieutenant 
Champagne was awarded a Purple Heart at the age of 102.
  Malcolm Champagne's legacy of bravery, patriotism, and strength will 
continue to inspire generations of Americans.

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