[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1237-E1238] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN ______ HON. MARK UDALL of colorado in the house of representatives Thursday, June 7, 2007 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Army Air Corps' legendary Tuskegee Airmen. On March 29, 2007, in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, the surviving Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the most prestigious recognition that Federal lawmakers can bestow. Tuskegee Airmen, from Colorado, that received the Congressional Gold Medal include: James E. Harrison, James H. Harvey III, Samuel C. Hunter Jr., Franklin J. Macon, John W. Mosley, Fitzroy ``Buck'' Newsum, Marion R. Rodgers, David A. Smith and William A. Walters. The first African-American airmen unit in the U.S. military trained in Tuskegee, Alabama. A total of 450 Tuskegee Airmen served overseas on various missions. During WWII, the Airmen flew missions over North Africa, Italy and Sicily. Collectively, they flew more than 15,000 combat sorties, shot down 111 German planes, and disabled 150 German planes on the ground. Thirty-three Airmen were shot down and held as POWs, and 66 of the Airmen were killed. The Tuskegee Airmen got their start in 1941 after the NAACP filed a lawsuit. President Franklin Roosevelt started the Army Air Corps training program as the first African-American training program. The Airmen were segregated from other units and endured blatant racism and discrimination while helping win World War II and change our Nation for the better. Their achievements helped contribute to the eventual integration of African-Americans into the military and also helped lead the way for further desegregation throughout the Nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating James E. Harrison, James H. Harvey III, Samuel C. Hunter Jr., Franklin J. Macon, John W. Mosley, Fitzroy ``Buck'' Newsum, Marion R. Rodgers, David A. Smith and William A. Walters for their patriotism and service to the United States of America. Their triumph over racism and discrimination, along with their outstanding service, is inspirational, and they are a source of pride for America and for all of Colorado. I wish them continued health and happiness. [[Page E1238]] ____________________