March 25, 2014

Manchin Spearheads Efforts to Honor America's Elite Fighter Pilots with Congressional Gold Medal

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Manchin (D-WV) proudly announced the passage of the American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The legislation will collectively award a Congressional Gold Medal to all American Fighter Aces, who are among the most distinguished and decorated groups in our country’s military history. These elite pilots are only credited if they have destroyed five or more confirmed enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Senator Manchin along with Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) were the lead sponsors of the bill.

“These outstanding military pilots have bravely risked their lives again and again to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day,” Senator Manchin said. “They are among the best of the best. It is a privilege to publicly thank some of our country’s most courageous and devoted aviators for their heroic military service by celebrating the Fighter Ace tradition and awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal. I am especially honored to join all West Virginians in recognizing our four living native West Virginia Fighter Aces: General Chuck Yeager, Lieutenant Colonel John W. Bolyard, Lieutenant Commander Charles M. Mallory and Commander Robert A. Kincaid. Their valor and bravery know no bounds.”

American Fighter Aces have led distinguished careers in the military as well as in civilian professions, including in education and training, private enterprise and politics. Many have held the rank of General or Admiral and have played leadership roles in multiple war efforts, from World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam to our country’s current military missions.

Of the more than 60,000 United States military fighter pilots who have taken to the skies since World War I, less than 1,500 have been honored as a Fighter Ace, including 15 West Virginians. Today, there are only about 100 Fighter Aces still living, including West Virginia natives General Chuck Yeager, Lieutenant Colonel John W. Bolyard, Lieutenant Commander Charles M. Mallory and Commander Robert A. Kincaid.

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