[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 8543]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO EDWARD R. WARD

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a member 
of our Armed Forces from my home State of Kentucky, 1LT Edward R. 
``Eddie'' Ward, who is being inducted posthumously into the U.S. Army 
Aviation Association of America's Order of Saint Michael.
  Established in 1900, the Order of St. Michael recognizes individuals 
who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army aviation. 
Those selected have demonstrated the standards of integrity and moral 
character, displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence, 
and served the U.S. Army aviation or civilian aviation community with 
distinction. There are three levels of the Order of St. Michael--
Bronze, Silver, and Gold. First Lieutenant Ward is receiving Gold, the 
top level, which is awarded when an individual exhibits the highest 
values of honesty and ethical character.
  Ward first enlisted in the Army in 1901 at the age of 19. Six years 
later, at the age of 25, he was assigned by the signal officer of the 
Army to take charge of ``. . . all matters pertaining to military 
ballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects.'' Ward became the 
first noncommissioned officer of the enlisted nucleus that eventually 
evolved into the present-day Aviation Branch of the Army.
  His career was comprised of a great deal of leadership. He headed the 
team that uncrated and prepared the Wright aircraft for military trials 
at Fort Omaha. He also served at several air schools including Fort 
Omaha and the Philippines Air School. However the majority of his 
career was spent in the Aeronautic Branch of the Signal Corps until his 
retirement from the armed forces in 1930.
  The Order of St. Michael uses the story of St. Michael defeating the 
dragon to exemplify the bravery and gallantry associated with the 
aviation soldier and the boldness and swiftness of aviation on the 
battlefield. Edward Ward was a true Kentuckian and an American hero who 
epitomizes the heroism and courage told in this story. He was a prime 
example of the brave and dedicated soldiers that make our military the 
best in the world.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing 1LT 
Edward R. Ward's dedication to our military and our country.

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