Sylvester Turner: “Mr. Speaker, today I speak in support of House Resolution 604, which expresses the Nation's appreciation and thanks for…”

“Mr. Speaker, today I speak in support of House Resolution 604, which expresses the Nation's appreciation and thanks for the servicemembers of the 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) upon the occasion of the final reunion of the 303rd Bomb Group Association. Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate to learn that the 303rd Bomb Group Association will dissolve following their final reunion this week in Arlington, Virginia. The declining number of these courageous veterans makes it difficult for the association to continue their annual reunions. With that being said, Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute to the valiant men of the 303rd Bombardment Group known as 'Hell's Angels.' Activated in February 1942 at Pendleton, Oregon, the 303rd was an Eighth Air Force Bomber Group that flew the mighty B-17 Flying Fortress out of Molesworth, England. Living up to their adopted motto, 'Might in Flight,' the air crews flew a record 364 combat missions against enemy targets, the most of any B-17 Bomb Group in the Eighth Air Force during World War II. For its actions in the skies over Europe, the group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation in January 1944, two of the heroic crew men of the 303rd were awarded with Congressional Medal of Honor, and four earned the Distinguished Service Cross. For all of their accomplishments, the members of the Bomb Group paid a heavy price in casualties, aircraft losses, and capture by the enemy.”