Jeff Fortenberry: “I recently visited the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue. It's a lovely place that is well-designed to care for…”

“I recently visited the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue. It's a lovely place that is well-designed to care for those who have served in the protection of our country. I had a nice visit, talking with many of the veterans there, each with their own unique stories of service to our Nation. A conversation, though, with one man in particular, Mr. Speaker, has stuck with me ever since. Now in his nineties, Don McBride sat quietly as I was speaking to the entire group. But as I was leaving, I went over to him to thank him for his commendable service to our Nation; but as soon as I got those words out, Don stopped me. You see, Don has a very interesting story. As I understand it, he did not directly enlist in the United States military. It was a unique situation. Don was a pilot with Pan Am Airlines, and during World War II, he helped the war effort by flying planes into China. During World War II, China was our ally. In all, Don flew 524 missions. He had to put a few planes down a couple of times because they were shot so badly, but he didn't stop. He and his fellow pilots did whatever was needed for the war effort, whether it was engaging Japanese aircraft or delivering aid to remote places in that rough terrain. For his service, Don was awarded the Presidential Citation, four Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the China Service Medal. He didn't want to tell me all this.…”