[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18722]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                 HONORING MAJOR JAMES ``CHOCKS'' EWALD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major James 
``Chocks'' Ewald of the Michigan Air National Guard. This heroic pilot 
has proven to possess incredible courage under exceptionally harrowing 
circumstances.
  Major Ewald served with the Air Force for nine years, flying in 
support of contingency operations in Bosnia, Korea and Iraq. In 1998, 
he joined the 110th Fighter Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard. 
Since his transfer to the 110th, he has served as Flight Instructor and 
Squadron Weapons Officer. He recently returned from a four-month tour 
of duty in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he flew 
over 30 combat sorties.
  During a mission over Baghdad, Iraq on April 8, 2003, Major Ewald's 
A-10 warplane was struck by a surface-to-air missile. Major Ewald 
courageously continued to fly the damaged aircraft for about 12 
minutes, during which time he made valiant decisions that enabled him 
to recover vital Iraqi intelligence information. He completed several 
battle damage checklists, identified critical aircraft system 
operations, made tentative plans for aircraft recovery and gathered 
important information about threats affecting future Close Air Support 
operations. Afterward he not only managed to perform an injury-free 
ejection, he also evaded potential capture by gathering his survival 
equipment and hiding in thick foliage a short distance from his 
parachute landing. He was rescued by friendly U.S. Army units within 15 
minutes of the crash. Less than a week after the incident, Major Ewald 
admirably resumed his service to our country.
  Mr. Speaker, the valor and sacrifice of our men and women in the 
Armed Forces cannot be praised enough. The heroism, hard work and 
patriotism of this courageous man should be applauded. I would like you 
and all of my colleagues join me in commending Major James ``Chocks'' 
Ewald for his limitless courage and leadership during his service to 
our country and in wishing both him and his family many more happy 
years of life. Major Ewald has truly shown the Nation what it means to 
be a hero.

                          ____________________