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HONORING 1ST LIEUTENANT RONALD KIMLER, USAF
______
HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize 1st Lt. Ronald Kimler for his service in the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean War.
When he enlisted in the Air Force out of high school, 1st Lt. Kimler progressed through a challenging series of flight schools before earning his wings in May of 1944. After shipping out from Richmond, Virginia to Europe, he was primarily stationed in Belgium. During the Second World War, 1st Lt. Kimler flew 38 missions with the 9th Air Force, ranging from bombing supply trains to supporting troop deployments. When our nation engaged in the conflict in Korea, he answered the call and served in the Air Force for an additional year and nine months.
For his service, 1st Lt. Kimler earned numerous awards, including the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
One lasting impact that stands out from his service was 1st Lt. Kimler's connection to his fellow airmen. In the face of risk-filled and challenging missions, they became, in 1st Lt. Kimler's words,
``closer than blood relatives.'' This bond led 1st Lt. Kimler to regularly keep in touch with a number of his comrades, speaking with them several times a month over decades despite serving together more than 70 years ago.
While his service is deserving of high praise, notably earning the nickname ``flak bait'' for the number of times his plane was hit, 1st Lt. Kimler has always put the focus on his fellow servicemembers. Instead of glamorizing his own actions, he has always looked to memorialize the over four hundred thousand Americans who lost their lives in World War II. This attitude reflects the best nature of our country--Americans working together for a common cause and united in our gratitude for the sacrifice of our fellow countrymen.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 1st Lt. Ronald Kimler for his devotion to the United States of America and courageous service during the Second World War and the Korean War.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(2)
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