[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8086]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO HOWARD ARTHUR TIBBS

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, it is my privilege to call to the attention 
of my colleagues a great Ohioan and distinguished Tuskegee Airman, 
Howard Arthur Tibbs, who this week will be posthumously awarded the 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  Much has been written about the valiant service and tremendous 
bravery of these African-American men during World War II. Collectively 
the Airmen flew over 15,000 sorties and 1,500 missions in their 
legendary P-51 Mustangs. They were awarded two Presidential Unit 
Citations, 744 Air Medals, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 
numerous individual bronze and silver stars.
  But this simple listing of their military accomplishments does not 
capture the true breadth of their commitment and sacrifice to this 
country. Not only did they greatly contribute to the Allies' defeat of 
the Axis Powers, but they did so within a highly segregated military. 
It has been stated that ``These airmen fought two wars--one against a 
military force overseas and the other against racism at home and 
abroad.''
  Howard Arthur Tibbs exemplified the qualities for which the Tuskegee 
Airmen are so admired. At the age of 24, the Salem, OH native enlisted 
into the service of his country at Fort Hayes in Columbus, OH. He 
fought bravely and served honorably under tremendously challenging 
conditions. Our State and our Nation are indebted to him and his fellow 
airmen for their sacrifice.
  A window into the character of Howard Arthur Tibbs is provided by the 
advice he gave his children. ``Give each day your best,'' he told them, 
``and the best is bound to come back to you.'' Howard Tibbs certainly 
gave his best to this country, and this country is right to recognize 
his bravery and accomplishment.
  I proudly celebrate the life and sacrifice of this great Ohioan on 
the occasion of his posthumous award of the Congressional Gold Medal.

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