[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21823]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       HONORING CURTIS A. WERDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Curtis A. Werden and his contributions to this country. 
Curtis began his service in the military in 1944, serving as a pilot in 
Italy during World War II.
  Mr. Werden flew the P-51 mustang fighter-aircraft and was assigned to 
the 31st Fighter Group, 306th Fighter Wing of the 15th Air Force. 
During his tour, Curtis flew fighter escort missions for B-17 and B-24 
bombers over Nazi-held territory in Western Europe. During these 
missions, Curtis was assigned with providing air cover for the squadron 
from attacking enemy fighters. Curtis flew 63 missions protecting 
bombers, and allowing the Allies to carry forward the mission of 
repelling and defeating the Nazis.
  Mr. Werden retired from the Army Air Corps as a Captain in 1945. His 
decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 
six oak leaf clusters and the European Campaign Medal. As a member of 
the 31st Fighter Wing he received the Presidential Unit Citation, an 
award reserved for outstanding units in the European and Pacific 
theatres.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and privilege that I recognize 
Curtis A. Werden for his service to this country. He served selflessly 
in a time of great need, bringing credit to himself and this nation.

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