[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17091]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF BRIGADIER GENERAL CURTIS J. 
                                 IRWIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANN MARIE BUERKLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 10, 2011

  Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Brigadier 
General Curtis J. Irwin, who, at the age of 88, passed away peacefully 
at his home in North Syracuse, New York on Wednesday, October 5th, 
2011.
  Brigadier General Irwin was born in Syracuse on November 4th, 1922, 
to the late Joseph A. and Violet M. Irwin. He was preceded in death by 
his wife, Natalie J. Irwin ``Noble Nanny'' and his sister, Marilyn J. 
Irwin Boison.
  A combat veteran of WWII, he served as commander of the 174th Fighter 
Wing, (formally the 174th Fighter Group) New York Air National Guard at 
Hancock Field from January 1st, 1958 until March 13th, 1977. He retired 
from the New York Air National Guard on August 31st, 1978.
  General Irwin's flying career spanned more than 35 years, beginning 
when he was still attending North Syracuse High School. Working 
weekends at the old Amboy Airport, he received compensation for his 
labor in flight instruction.
  He began his military service in August of 1942 and entered pilot 
training the following March. After winning his wings and commissioning 
as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in May of 1944, he served 
in the Pacific Theatre of Operations as a fighter pilot flying the P-47 
Thunderbolt.
  Campaigns in which he participated include the China Offensive, 
Western Pacific, and the Air Offensive of Japan and the Ryukyus 
Islands. He was decorated with the Air Medal, the Oak Leaf Cluster, and 
four battle stars for his wartime service.
  Following World War II, General Irwin was an original member and 
assisted in the organization of the Air National Guard in Syracuse. 
While commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, General Irwin saw the unit 
undergo many aircraft conversions and unit changes. It was the first 
unit to operate jet aircraft in New York State and in 1951, was 
selected as one of the two units in the country to test a secret 
program of runway alert to augment the Air Force. The results were so 
successful that this program is to this day a vital part of the United 
States' air defense.
  In 1960, the 174th was recognized by the National Guard Bureau as the 
most combat-ready F-86 unit in the country. During the Berlin Crisis in 
1961, the 174th was activated and within 30 days, all personnel, 
planes, and equipment were deployed to Phalsbourg Air Base in France. 
This was the largest movement of jet fighter aircraft in Europe since 
World War II. General Irwin led his unit's planes and crews across the 
northern Atlantic route via Labrador, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, and 
on to the mainland of Europe. Despite many dramatic moments, all 
arrived safely on the continent. The unit was again called up during 
the Pueblo Crisis and was deployed to Cannon Air Force Base in New 
Mexico.
  In addition to his military service, General Irwin was instrumental 
in linking the 174th Fighter Wing with the local community. He 
organized a program of community education for planning and zoning 
actions compatible with aviation growth.
  Honors bestowed upon General Irwin are many. General Irwin was 
awarded the Governor's Trophy in 1960, 1973, and 1976. In addition, he 
received the first Department of Defense Award for Domestic Action in 
1971. Thompson Road through Hancock Air Base now bears his name and is 
called the ``General Curtis Irwin Parkway''. In our local community, 
General Irwin was named to the North Syracuse School District Wall of 
Distinction in 1990.
  Surviving General Irwin are his children, Laurinda ``Laurie'' A. 
Irwin of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; Sheila M. (Lester) Austin of 
Lafayette, New York; Lisette ``Lisa'' Damon of North Syracuse; several 
nieces and nephews; his longtime companion Betty Tryon of Liverpool; 
and his 174th Fighter Wing Family.
  On behalf of the people of the 25th District of New York and a 
grateful Nation, I thank General Irwin for his service.

                          ____________________