October 6, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 174 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GEORGE WASHINGTON BIGGS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2020

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
George Washington Biggs, who passed away on Saturday, September 19, 
2020, at the age of 95. A native son of Arizona, George was a legend 
among us and the last remaining Tuskegee Airman in our state who 
valiantly served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. For his selfless 
service and sacrifice, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of 
Honor--the highest civilian recognition given by Congress. George was a 
hero with unwavering patriotism who fought tirelessly to uphold and 
preserve American values, and our country's indebtedness to him will 
forever stand the test of time.
  Born in Nogales, Arizona, to a family with a history of military 
service, George answered the call to duty early in his life. At age 18, 
he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as a member of the 
Tuskegee Airmen--the first Black military aviators to fly in combat 
during World War II. George and his fellow airmen overcame racism and 
discrimination and played a significant role in the eventual 
integration of the United States armed forces.
  George returned to civilian life in 1946, but his heart remained on 
the frontlines, and he reenlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he would 
go on to fight in the Korean War as a Second Lieutenant. Following the 
ceasefire in Korea, George returned to the states and was stationed at 
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, where he trained and 
mentored Black airmen. In 1970, George retired from the military after 
flying his final mission during the Vietnam War.
  His life was forever intertwined with those he served alongside-never 
forgetting the sacrifices our brave men and women make to preserve the 
American way of life. Each Memorial Day, George would visit the Nogales 
City Cemetery where his father was buried to plant flags over the 
graves of veterans to honor them.
  As a nation, we join his wife, Olga, their 10 children, 22 
grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and loved ones in honoring 
George. A man of unshakeable conviction, courage, and dedication, 
George's legacy will remain synonymous of a true American patriot. 
Thank you for your service, George and Godspeed.

                          ____________________