HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN WALTER HARRISON SIGAFOOS, III

On 2026-09-21, Representative Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN WALTER HARRISON SIGAFOOS, III" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN WALTER HARRISON SIGAFOOS, III

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E956] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN WALTER HARRISON SIGAFOOS, III ______ HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Monday, September 21, 2026 Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a remarkable American, Captain Walter Harrison Sigafoos, III, whose courage and sacrifice have left an enduring mark on our Nation. Born on August 29, 1946, in Richboro, Pennsylvania, Walter Sigafoos answered the call to serve his country at a young age. He attended the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated with the Class of 1968 with a degree in Astronautics. During his time at the Academy, he was named to the Superintendent's Merit List, served as president of the Ski Club, and participated in the Dance Committee. His classmates remember him as a young man who embraced both the discipline of military service and the fellowship of Academy life. After graduation, Lieutenant Sigafoos continued his training in preparation for service as an Air Force combat aviator. He distinguished himself during his training and went on to complete F-4 Phantom combat crew training at George Air Force Base. His path ultimately took him to Southeast Asia, where he served with the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On April 25, 1971, Captain Sigafoos was serving as the weapons and systems officer aboard an F-4D Phantom II during a nighttime reconnaissance and strike mission over Laos. Then came a transmission, ultimately becoming the last known radio contact with the aircraft. The aircraft was subsequently presumed lost over Laos. Captain Sigafoos and his fellow crew member, Captain Jeffrey C. Lemon, were reported missing. More than five decades later, Captain Sigafoos remains unaccounted for. The Department of Defense continues to maintain his case among those of American service members lost in Southeast Asia. Mr. Speaker, we will never forget the sacrifice of Captain Walter Harrison Sigafoos, III. Though decades have passed since he was lost in service to our Nation, his memory lives on through the loved ones who have carried his name, his story, and his legacy forward. Their remembrance ensures that his courage and devotion will not fade with time but will continue to inspire future generations of Americans to understand the meaning of service, sacrifice, and duty to country. We honor Captain Sigafoos by remembering the life he lived, the service he gave, and the enduring example he leaves for all who come after him. ____________________