Honoring WWII Veterans of the 485th Bomb Group During 50th and Final Reunion in Dallas, Texas

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize veterans of the 485th Bomb Group as they celebrate their 50th and final reunion this week in Dallas, Texas.

The 485th Bomb Group was one of four heavy bomb groups assigned to the 55th Bomb Wing during World War II. The 485th began conducting combat operations on May 10, 1944 with a mission to bomb the marshalling yard at what is now Knin, Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia). Their final mission was flown to the Linz, Austria marshalling yard on April 25, 1945. The group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for the June 26, 1944 mission to the Florisdorf Oil Refinery in Vienna, Austria. Despite encountering heavy flak and intense fighter opposition, the Group was able to inflict considerable damage to the refinery, crippling the enemy's vital fuel production during a crucial period of the war.

As we honor these heroes today, I am reminded of what President Calvin Coolidge once said, ``A nation which forgets its defenders, will itself soon be forgotten.'' I for one am committed to ensuring this nation never forgets the sacrifices that so many endured in order that we may enjoy the freedoms that have made our country so great.

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