HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF COLONEL PERRY DAHL

HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF COLONEL PERRY DAHL

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 9 (Thursday, January 16, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 9 (Thursday, January 16, 2025)] [House] [Page H191] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF COLONEL PERRY DAHL (Ms. LEE of Florida asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and service of Colonel Perry Dahl, one of the last World War II fighter aces, who passed away on December 2, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 101. Throughout his 37-year career in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, Colonel Dahl left behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to our Nation. Colonel Dahl enlisted in the Washington National Guard in 1940, and in 1944 became an ace where he went on to fly numerous World War II missions, defending fellow pilots, and surviving capture from adversary forces. He displayed immense courage and perseverance during a mission that earned him the Silver Star, the United States Armed Forces' third- highest military decoration for valor in combat. After World War II, Dahl continued his distinguished service, eventually retiring at the rank of colonel in 1978. In recognition of his heroic service, Colonel Dahl has since received numerous accolades, including the distinguished Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the 2015 Congressional Gold Medal. It is my privilege to honor the life of Colonel Dahl, a decorated veteran and true American hero in the 15th District of Florida. His legacy lives on in the lives he protected and the freedoms he fought to preserve. May Colonel Dahl rest in peace and may his story continue to inspire for generations to come. ____________________