[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17671]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MARK T. BECKER FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF DUTY IN 
     AERIAL FLIGHT AS AN AIRCREW MEMBER IN THE VIETNAMESE CONFLICT

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                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Mark T. 
Becker of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462. Mr. Becker 
dutifully served the United States while abroad in Vietnam and deserves 
such commendation.
  Corporal Becker and his fellow members of the Marine Heavy Helicopter 
Squadron 462 set off aboard the USS Okinawa on April 29, 1975. Corporal 
Becker served as an aerial gunner on a UH1E Huey Helicopter that 
participated in Operation FREQUENT WIND. This mission was a 
humanitarian emergency evacuation of Americans, Vietnamese and Third 
Country Nationals from Saigon in the Republic of Vietnam.
  Corporal Becker assisted pilots by maintaining a constant 
surveillance for other enemy aircraft and hostile fire. This was an 
exhausting and troublesome task due to reduced visibility caused by 
darkness and inclement weather. Corporal Becker made several flights 
over hostile territory all the while displaying absolute discipline and 
rare professionalism in following the binding rules of engagement.
  Operation FREQUENT WIND resulted in a huge success for United States 
forces. A total of 1,373 Americans and 5,595 Vietnamese and Third 
Country Nationals were evacuated by helicopter in a two day span. 
Corporal Becker's skill and steadfast devotion to duty while exposed to 
ground fire, anti-aircraft fire, and surface-to-air missiles 
contributed significantly and directly to the accomplishment of his 
unit's mission and the overall success of Operation FREQUENT WIND.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
impressive and courageous actions of Corporal Mark T. Becker. It is an 
honor for me to recognize his accomplishments and the impact he had on 
Operation FREQUENT WIND.

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