Congratulating Lieutenant Colonel Henry Buttelmann

Floor Speech

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Lt. Col. Henry Buttelmann on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, honoring his role as an American Fighter Ace during the Korean and Vietnam wars. American Fighter Aces are pilots who shot down five or more enemy planes in aerial combat during time of war. It gives me great pleasure to honor Lieutenant Colonel Buttelmann for his bravery and his accomplishments while serving the United States of America.

Lieutenant Colonel Buttelmann is credited with seven confirmed air victories, five of which were during a short 12-day period. He was the youngest American Fighter Ace of the Korean war and flew a North American F-86 Sabre when he earned his Ace status. From 1948 to 1950, Lieutenant Colonel Buttelmann attended the University of Bridgeport, serving as a private in the 514th Troop Carrier Group with the Air National Guard. After graduating from Big Springs Air Force Base in Texas, he received advanced gunnery training at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. He was then sent to serve in the Korean war beginning December of 1952 and earned his Ace status on June 30, 1953. After his service in the Korean war, Lieutenant Colonel Buttelmann returned to Nellis Air Force Base for instructor duty. He then served in the Vietnam war, logging 232 combat missions during his 12-month tour. His service to our country is invaluable.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Buttelmann for his courageous contributions to the United States of America. His service to his country and his bravery earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. His legacy as an American Fighter Ace will continue on for years to come.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals who serve our Nation, but also to ensure they are cared for when they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. Lieutenant Colonel Buttelmann's sacrifice warrants only the greatest respect and care in return.

Lieutenant Colonel Buttelmann displayed true dedication to his trade, loyalty to defending his country, and full commitment to excellence as an American Fighter Ace. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lt. Col. Henry Buttelmann for all of his achievements. I wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

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