Brown And Banks Introduce Legislation To Honor Lt. Gen. Frank Maxwell Andrews
Press Release
Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) and Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) introduced legislation to authorize the posthumous honorary promotion to four-star general of Lieutenant General Frank Maxwell Andrews. Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Lt. Gen. Andrews was commander of United States Forces in Europe during the initial U.S. engagement in that theatre during World War II. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1906. Lt. Gen. Andrews was critical to the founding of the United States Army Air Forces, which would become the United States Air Force. He became the first head of a centralized American air force and the first air officer to serve on the Army's general staff.
In February 1943, while commander of the European Theater of Operations, he launched the air campaign against Germany. He was tragically killed in an aircraft accident in Iceland in May of 1943. During his career, Lt. Gen. Andrews received two Distinguished Service Medals, a Distinguished Flying Cross, ten Air Medals and the Purple Heart. Joint Base Andrews in Maryland is named for him.
"Lt. Gen. Andrews is an American hero. Throughout his exemplary career in the United States military, he modeled leadership, bravery and service to one's country. His forward-thinking commitment to military aviation helped turn the tide and make our country safer," said Congressman Brown. "He has earned this honorary promotion from our country, grateful for his life and enduring legacy."
"Lt. Gen Andrews was a patriot who served his country honorably in both World Wars. His contributions to military aviation made America more secure then, and have since helped cement the U.S. military as the greatest fighting force in the world," said Congressman Banks. "Congress should recognize his bravery and innovative leadership."
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