[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16318-16319]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CONSTANT O. MAFFEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 18, 2005

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Constant O. Maffey, 
of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, who is a recent recipient of the Air Force 
Distinguished Flying Cross.

[[Page 16319]]

  The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted 
person of the Armed Forces of the United States who shall have 
distinguished himself in actual combat in support of operations by 
``heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial 
flight''. Constant Maffey proved himself more than worthy of this award 
during World War II in the European Theater.
  As a Flight Engineer and Waist Gunner with the Fifteenth Air Force, 
465th Bomb Group, 783rd Bomb Squadron in Pantanela, Italy, Technical 
Sergeant Maffey was ``just doing his job'' that day in February 1945 
when his bravery and quick thinking would come to the rescue of his 
fellow airmen.
  In Lintz, Austria, on February 25, 1945, Technical Sergeant Maffey 
was aboard a B-24 Heavy Bomber when during take-off the aircraft failed 
to attain the necessary 70 mph to become airborne. While the pilot of 
the aircraft instructed the co-pilot to give emergency power to the 
turbo, Maffey realized that even this would not be enough to propel the 
plane into the sky. Working quickly, Maffey adjusted each turbo 
individually to the absolute maximum setting--a procedure not 
recommended in-flight, but only for maximum power testing on the 
ground. The aircraft sped over a ditch, passed the end of the runway, 
tore through a farmer's fence and eventually became airborne. The Air 
Force recognizes that ``with Maffey's technical knowledge of the B-24, 
quick thinking under stress, and independent actions prevented a crash 
with a full load of fuel, eight 500-pound bombs, and saved the lives of 
all 10 crew members. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to 
duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Maffey reflect great credit upon 
himself and the United States Army Air Corps.''
  Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Maffey is 
deserving of this award. Like so many from ``The Greatest Generation'' 
he views his actions as just ``doing his job.'' His selfless dedication 
to the mission at hand serves as an example even 60 years later to 
Americans young and old the values of courage, honor, and sacrifice. 
His humility and grace towards his honor is a lesson for each of us in 
the qualities of true leadership.
  I offer my heartfelt and grateful congratulations to Mr. Maffey, who 
after so many years has finally been recognized and honored by his 
country which he so valiantly served.

                          ____________________