April 22, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 76 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF SERGEANT GARY LEE McKIDDY ON 6 MAY 1970

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2020

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroism of 
Sergeant Gary Lee McKiddy of Ohio, who valiantly sacrificed his life on 
May 6, 1970, during the Cambodian invasion in the Vietnam War.
  During the May 1970 incursion in Cambodia, then-Specialist McKiddy 
was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division as a crew chief/door gunner on 
a single-engine ``scout'' helicopter. On May 6, McKiddy was sent to 
Cambodia alongside friend and observer Jim Skaggs and Warrant Officer 
Tom Whiddon, the pilot, to identify and attack enemy strongholds. While 
on patrol, the helicopter was struck by enemy fire, causing the 
transmission line to burst and the helicopter to make a crash landing.
  Based on the account of survivor Skaggs as well as the accounts of 
the medical evacuation team, all three men survived the initial crash. 
McKiddy, who was thrown from the helicopter, bravely and heroically 
charged back into the burning crash in an attempt to save both fellow 
crew members. After successfully rescuing Skaggs, McKiddy was killed 
while trying to save his pilot, Warrant Officer Whiddon. On June 24, 
1970, McKiddy was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the third-
highest personal decoration for valor in the United States Armed 
Forces.
  As we remember Sergeant Gary McKiddy on the 50th anniversary of his 
heroic sacrifice, I am drawn to John 15:13, which says, ``Greater love 
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'' 
Gary's actions that morning are a true example of gallantry and belief 
in the Warrior Ethos. I am confident that God was with Gary that 
morning and that Gary is with Him now in His heavenly kingdom.
  Madam Speaker, I thank my friend and constituent Jim Skaggs for 
sharing this story with me and for continuing to honor the legacy of 
his fallen friend. We remember Sergeant Gary McKiddy for his bravery, 
and I pray for his friends and family on this special anniversary.

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