[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5428]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING CAPTAIN WILLIAM KENNETH EARMAN ON HIS OUTSTANDING MILITARY 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2016

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Captain William 
Kenneth Earman on his outstanding and exemplary military service.
  In 1942, Mr. Earman joined the Army Air Force Cadet Program in the 
immediate aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Like many Americans 
of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Earman put his life on hold to defend 
our country against the evils that threatened our convictions, ideals, 
and existence.
  Upon graduating from bombardier school in Big Spring, Texas, as a 
Second Lieutenant, Mr. Earman was assigned to the Seventh Air Force, 
which introduced him to the Pacific Theatre. Mr. Earman flew over forty 
missions in the Central Pacific in a B-24 J bomber named ``The 
Sunsetter.'' He and his crew received numerous commendations and awards 
for their valor, including four Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying 
Crosses.
  After his time in combat had concluded, Mr. Earman was promoted to 
First Lieutenant and returned to Big Spring to instruct incoming Army 
Air Force cadets, a reflection of his exemplary performance and 
expertise as a bombardier and navigator. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Earman 
was promoted and served as Flight Commander of the Ready Reserve Airmen 
in Rockdale, Texas, where he would eventually be promoted to Captain.
  In June of 1961, Captain Earman received an Honorable Discharge from 
the United States Air Force after nearly twenty years of meritorious 
service. This would mark the end of Captain Earman's long and 
distinguished military career.
  On May 6th and 7th, Captain Earman will be participating with other 
World War II veterans in the twenty-ninth Dallas/Fort Worth Honor 
Flight to our nation's capital, accompanied by his son, William Kenneth 
Earman, Jr.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to recognize the service Captain 
Earman has given to this nation. I ask all of my distinguished 
colleagues to rise with me today in appreciation of Captain Earman's 
remarkable service and sacrifice.

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