[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21380]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE TEAM OF CIVILIAN ENGINEERS STATIONED AT THE COLD WEATHER 
                    TEST DETACHMENT, IN LADD, ALASKA

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                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the team of 
civilian engineers stationed at the Cold Weather Test Detachment, in 
Ladd, Alaska during World War II. I first became aware of the 
significant contributions of the engineers at Ladd Field through the 
first hand accounts of my constituent, Mr. Paul J. Burchett.
  From 1942 to 1945, Mr. Burchett and his colleagues served at the Cold 
Weather Test Detachment in Ladd, Alaska. Civilian employees, Mr. 
Burchett and his colleagues voluntarily worked alongside our servicemen 
during the war. They endured extreme weather conditions and worked to 
ensure the safety of our pilots and our planes in the frigid 
temperatures of Alaska. The contribution that Mr. Burchett and his 
colleagues made to support the war effort will not be forgotten. Even 
today, their innovative work is still used for both commercial and 
military applications.
  While at Ladd Field, Mr. Burchett's commanding officer, Colonel R. 
Stewart, highly praised Mr. Burchett, and his work. In a report to Mr. 
Burchett's company, Stewart wrote, ``As a result of his diligence and 
interest, Mr. Burchett was most helpful in assisting maintenance 
personnel of this organization. As a result of his efforts, many of the 
problems which were experienced were readily overcome, thus averting a 
serious loss of time. Mr. Burchett was keenly interested in his work, 
and spent many hours over the normal working day in accomplishing his 
mission.''
  After World War II, Mr. Burchett worked as a professor at Pasadena 
City College for 35 years. While there, he continued to develop after-
war designs for experimental aircraft. Mr. Burchett helped develop 
aircraft for Lockheed from 1937-1959. While working for Lockheed, Mr. 
Burchett helped develop the first working jet fighter.
  Mr. Burchett, now 90 years of age, has led a remarkable life. Until 
recently his work at Ladd Field was classified. This is why I now wish 
to recognize that work and commend Mr. Burchett on a lifetime of 
dedicated service to his nation. He deserves our respect and gratitude.

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