[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19083]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         HONORING THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE KNOWN AS THE MIGHTY 8TH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 9, 2001

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring to your attention the 
history and contributions of the Eighth Air Force which became known as 
the Mighty 8th.
  The Eighth Air Force was formed and dispatched to England in 1942 to 
become the largest military unit in World War II, and the largest 
bomber force of all times. Over 350,000 airmen served in Europe. The 
Eighth Air Force has continued as an operational combat unit to this 
day with over one million serving the country in war and in peace.
  No Mighty 8th mission was ever turned back due to enemy action during 
World War II. The cost was 26,000 killed in action, and over 28,000 
prisoners of war. In the one week period of October 8-14, 1943, the 
Eighth Air Force lost 150 Heavy Bombers to enemy action in the skies of 
Europe, and despite heavy losses many feel that this was the turning 
point for daylight strategic bombing.
  The Eighth Air Force Historical Society, the largest single military 
unit veteran group in history, continues to hold its annual reunions in 
the month of October.
  Today I join with the Eighth Air Force Historical Society members to 
support their efforts to inform generations that followed them, of the 
contributions and sacrifice made by the ``greatest generation'' to 
perpetuate American's freedom and way of life.
  Please join me in thanking the Mighty 8th for their service in the 
military and for their contributions to this great country.
  God Bless America.

                          ____________________