HONORING LIFE AND SERVICE OF GEORGE WILLIAM HAWTHORNE

On 2024-12-17, Representative Mary E. Miller (R-IL-15) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIFE AND SERVICE OF GEORGE WILLIAM HAWTHORNE" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered the environment, defense.

HONORING LIFE AND SERVICE OF GEORGE WILLIAM HAWTHORNE

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)] [House] [Page H7244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIFE AND SERVICE OF GEORGE WILLIAM HAWTHORNE The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller) for 5 minutes. Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of my constituent, George William Hawthorne. George is a 102-year-old World War II veteran living in Sidney, Illinois, whose life has been a testament of service to God, country, and family. George grew up in Granville and Ottawa, Illinois, where his family were faithful attendees of the Congregational Church. George's family has a proud tradition of service to the country. His family enlisted in World War I, and George was active in the Ottawa Cadet Corps. After high school, George worked several jobs to support the war effort following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was eager to do more to defend his country, so he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces on October 2, 1942. Due to the attrition rates among bomber crews, there was an urgent demand for pilots. George courageously rose to the challenge. His class of cadets was raced through training at twice the typical speed to fulfill the need for pilots, and many cadets dropped out of the program. George excelled and won his wings as second lieutenant on April 14, 1944. He was set to pilot a B-24 Liberator on a 13-hour flight to the Pacific theater. As he awaited departure, George became ill and was hospitalized with a serious infection. While in the hospital, his crew left for the Pacific. Tragically, the plane went down in the Philippine Sea after an onboard explosion that claimed the lives of several crewmates. George still wanted to do his part to serve his country. He trained another crew and prepared for the invasion into Japan. He flew to Hawaii and was stationed there when President Truman made the decision to use atomic bombs. George finished out his time in the service flying a rescue squadron and was honorably discharged on October 29, 1946. He entered the Air Force Reserve and served there until July 31, 1960, attaining the rank of captain. {time} 1130 Madam Speaker, after leaving the military, George continued his legacy of service by investing in his church community. He attended church regularly and served on multiple boards, committees, and volunteer projects. He also raised three wonderful children with his wife of 64 years, Louise. Through all his years, George has remained passionate about his country and the freedom that makes it great. Like his father before him, George understands the value and the responsibility of serving in our Nation's military and defending our freedom. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren, and many of his family members have continued George's legacy of military service. He remains passionate about defending liberty, his family, and his right to practice his faith in Jesus Christ. At 102, George is still excited about the future and has plans for things he still wants to accomplish. He is thankful to God for all he has been given, and he loves to talk about his experiences and the lessons he has learned on his journey through life. On behalf of Illinois' 15th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Captain George Hawthorne for his courage and selfless service to our Nation. ____________________