[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Pages 29740-29741]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNITION OF CAPTAIN JAMES L. CARDOSO

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of 
Captain James L. Cardoso, a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as he 
receives the Silver Star for gallantry from the United States Air 
Force. Captain Cardoso's daring rescue of a downed F-117 ``Stealth 
Fighter'' pilot makes him more than worthy of this prestigious honor. 
It is a pleasure for me to be able to honor his accomplishments.
  On March 27, Captain Cardoso led his helicopter unit through Serbian 
air defenses within 25 miles of Belgrade. His extraordinary effort is 
even more remarkable considering the low visibility

[[Page 29741]]

and the minimal air support his unit received in the rescue. He 
fearlessly led his formation, at great personal risk to himself and his 
crew, in penetrating an extremely formidable Serbian air defense system 
which knew of the rescue. In the process, Captain Cardoso successfully 
avoided Serbian ground forces located a mere 10 miles away.
  Despite these difficulties, Captain Cardoso's unit was able to rescue 
the downed pilot within 45 seconds of landing. He narrowly escaped 
encroaching Serbian forces.
  Having learned of Captain Cardoso's heroic leadership, I am pleased 
to recognize his efforts. Captain Cardoso's actions saved an American 
pilot from enemy hands at a critical time in the Kosovo campaign. By 
his gallantry and sense of duty, Captain Cardoso has proven a great 
credit to himself, the State of New Jersey and to the country. I wish 
him the best as he receives this tremendous honor.

                          ____________________