Charles Skelton: “Americans awakened today to good news, the rescue of Capt. Scott O'Grady, the F-16 pilot whose plane was shot down last…”

“Americans awakened today to good news, the rescue of Capt. Scott O'Grady, the F-16 pilot whose plane was shot down last week by rebel Serbs over Bosnia. The successful mission was performed by the Marine Expeditionary Force, commanded by Col. Marty Berndt. I share the pride in Captain O'Grady and the rescuing Marines that was so eloquently expressed earlier this morning by the President, our NATO Commander, Admiral Leighton Smith, and members of Captain O'Grady's family. I had the pleasure, Mr. Speaker, of congratulating Colonel Berndt by telephone just a few moments ago. He was personally along on the rescue mission. I have visited our troops participating in Operation Deny Flight, which includes an A-10 reserve wing from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. All Americans should be grateful for the courage and for the dedication to this dangerous mission. We must also continue to support those who risk their lives every day in training and combat, in peace and war. All Americans, Mr. Speaker, are proud of Captain O'Grady, the rescuing marines, and all who wear the American uniform.”