[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9427]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                TRIBUTE TO MAJOR HARRY A. AMESBURY, JR.

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Major Harry 
A. Amesbury, Jr. who after 29 years is finally being returned home to 
his family. On April 26, 1972, Harry was the commander of a C-130E 
aircraft on a night emergency resupply mission to the besieged city of 
An Loc, Republic of Vietnam. He knew there was a concentration of enemy 
anti-aircraft defenses because he made the flight the night before. His 
aircraft was struck by the intense enemy fire and shot down. He has 
been missing in action since that date, but not forgotten. An Idaho 
resident and career Air Force officer with over sixteen years of 
service to his country, he was survived by his parents Dr. and Mrs. 
Harry A. Amesbury, Sr., who are now deceased, his wife Mary Amesbury 
Predoehl, and four sons: Harry Kurt Amesbury, David John Amesbury, 
Robert Stephen Amesbury, and Alan Keith Amesbury. He is also survived 
by David's wife Marjan, their son Brendan, and the twins Cameron and 
Shannon, as well as, Stephen's wife Mary and their sons Ryan and 
Connor. I know I speak for all my colleagues in the Senate in 
expressing my profound sorrow to the Amesbury family for their loss.
  In a letter to his parents on 15 April 1972, just eleven days before 
his death, Harry wrote: ``I want you to know that if something should 
happen to me, that I am doing what needs to be done and I am doing what 
I think is right''. He was a thorough professional who believed in his 
country and his duties as an Air Force Officer. He knew that his fellow 
service members needed his help, so he didn't hesitate when called on 
to make that final flight.
  Harry received the Silver Star for his valor in attempting the 
mission to An Loc. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for 
a mission the previous day, when his aircraft was heavily damaged by 
enemy anti-aircraft fire. These final acts of courage, following days 
and years of courageous acts, demonstrate the commitment that Major 
Harry Amesbury had for military service, his dedication to our country, 
and the importance he placed on performing his duty. Unfortunately, 
this tragedy reminds us once again of the painful costs of answering 
the call of service to our country, and the sacrifices our military 
members make for others who need help. We will never know how many 
lives in An Loc were saved because of the valor of Major Harry 
Amesbury, but as we pay homage to his memory, let us rededicate 
ourselves in the days and months ahead to the ideals of our great 
nation, and keep faith with all brave Americans who choose to wear the 
uniform and ensure that their sacrifices were not made in vain.
  I hope it is of some comfort to the family that Major Harry Amesbury, 
Jr. is finally returning home to Idaho. It was always his plan to 
return to the State after completing his Air Force career, and even 
bought land overlooking the Snake River, near Marsing, where he planned 
to build his retirement home.
  On Memorial Day at Mountain Home AFB, there will be an official 
ceremony which will include the rendering of military honors and one 
final opportunity to express appreciation for his service and his 
sacrifice. His family will then travel into the mountains, to a place 
that he loved to go with his children, and say goodbye in their own 
way.
  I am very proud to recognize Major Harry A. Amesbury, Jr. and tell 
him and his family, Thank You.

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