Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act

I rise in support of H.R. 320, a bill to designate a national Distinguished Flying Cross memorial in Riverside, California.

I thank my friends Mr. Young and Mrs. Napolitano for managing the bill today.

I am honored to represent the Inland Empire Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, which is the primary sponsor of this memorial. The memorial honors all current and former members of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In the 111th Congress, I introduced H.R. 2788, which passed the House unanimously; and today, I stand again in support of H.R. 320, which would designate a memorial at March Field Air Museum as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial. The legislation is supported by the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, the Military Officers Association of America, the Air Force Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Association of Naval Aviation, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and the China-Burma-India Veterans Association.

I would like to point out the language in the bill specifically states that the designation shall not be construed to require or permit Federal funds to be expended for any purpose related to the national memorial. Funds have been and will continue to be raised through private means for these purposes.

The Distinguished Flying Cross recipients have received this prestigious medal for their heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces. There are many well-known people who have played a vital role in the history of military aviation and have received the award. As was previously mentioned, this renowned group includes Captain Charles L. Lindbergh, former President George H. W. Bush, Brigadier General Jimmy Doolittle, General Curtis LeMay, Senator McCain, Jimmy Stewart, and Admiral Jim Stockdale--just to name a few.

The March Air Reserve Base, which hosts the C-17As of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing is adjacent to the location of the memorial at the March Field Air Museum. Visitors are able to witness active operational air units provide support for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is an appropriate setting that honors the many aviators who have distinguished themselves by deeds performed in aerial flight.

I would like to thank those who worked tirelessly to ensure this memorial is built and is properly designated in honor of the distinguished aviators that have served this great Nation. In particular, I'd like to recognize Jim Champlin; his late wife, Trish; Distinguished Flying Cross Society president, Chuck Sweeney; and the society's historian, Dr. Barry Lanman, who have been instrumental in this effort.

Again, I hope you'll join me in supporting the designation of the National Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial at the March Field Air Museum and support H.R. 320.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 320, ``Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act,'' which designates a Distinguish Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California. Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross are awarded to any officer of enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by ``heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.''

The March Field Air Museum serves as the appropriate location for such a prestigious honor. Its home sits on the March Air Force Base. March Air Force Base dates back to a time when the United States was rushing to build up its military forces in anticipation of entering World War I. It continued to be used as a pilot training center and as well as an operational base throughout World War II. March Air Force Base was a part of outstanding achievements in test flights and other contributions to the science of aviation. For over seventy years, March has been a key component in the advance of aviation and in the growth of the modern Air Force.

The March Field Air Museum is representative of American ingenuity in aviation. The museum hosts a collection of military and vintage aircraft that presents an extraordinary look at the history of aviation and the use of aviation in modern warfare. The museum tells the story of how aircraft were first used in warfare and how they have become a vital part of our nation's military power.

As all of our military, we hold a special place in our hearts for those pilots who operated those aircraft. These aviators supported our ground troops from the air during times of war. This honor will bestow the nation's gratitude upon those who are so deserving of recognition. I am happy to share in this opportunity with my colleagues to place in our nation's history the recognition of these heroes of the skies. Our nation is better for the heroism of these brave men and women.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mrs. NAPOLITANO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, the recipients of the Distinguished Flying

Cross include Captain Charles Lindbergh, Commander Richard Byrd, Amelia Earhart, and Captain Mark Kelly. You might know who Captain Mark Kelly is because he had his medal pinned on him by his wife--our dear colleague, Representative Gabby Giffords. All of the men and women who have received this medal are American heroes, and the March Field Air Museum is to be commended for its efforts to establish a memorial honoring these individuals.

On our side, we would likely support some Federal funding for this project, but in knowing our status on our budgetary problems, our friends on the other side have written the bill to prohibit Federal support. Nevertheless, we do wholeheartedly support H.R. 320.

I commend my friend and colleague Ken Calvert, from my home State of California, for introducing this piece of legislation to recognize all our heroes.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to urge both sides to support H.R. 320, but at the same time I'd also like to thank our majority and our minority, not only our Members, but also the staff that have done a very wonderful job in helping us put this stuff together and putting up with us.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 320) to designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking Congressman Calvert for introducing this bill to designate a memorial in honor of the over 150,000 current and former members of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The new memorial was dedicated on October 27, 2010, at March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California. With the legislation, the memorial will be designated as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial. This designation honors these patriots and does not require or permit the expenditure of any Federal dollars.

I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 320, the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act.

I want to thank my colleague from southern California, Mr. Calvert, for sponsoring this bill and championing this cause to recognize some of our nation's greatest aviators.

March Air Field Museum, located in California's Inland Empire, at the site of the March Air Reserve Base, is a place for Americans to learn and celebrate our nation's great aviation and military histories.

It is appropriate then, that this museum serve as a sight for the United States to officially recognize the heroic service of over 165,000 Americans who have received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself with heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.

March Air Force Bace, March Air Reserve Base, and now March Air Field Museum have all been vital parts of the fabric of our community in California's Inland Empire.

I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 320 and help ensure California's Inland Empire will forever serve as home to the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial.