February 12, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E183 15 cents on defense, and 16 cents on other do- onciliation bill is supposed to be completed died from heroin-related overdoses since mestic programs (education, transportation, by the end of the fiscal year September 30. If 1996.'' Just this week, we lost 17-year-old law enforcement, etc.). International pro- Congress and the President fail to work out Natacha Marie Campbell to a heroine and co- grams take 1 cent, and interest on the debt their differences by this date, they must pass consumes 14 cents. The President would re- a ‘‘continuing resolution’’ or see the govern- caine overdose. This just adds a tragic, serve 1 cent of each dollar for Social Secu- ment shut down. human dimension to our fight against illegal rity reforms, reducing the publicly-held fed- Conclusion: The President’s budget is art- drugs. eral debt in the process. fully crafted. It carefully balances increases Although the law enforcement community The economic assumptions used by the in popular programs with fiscal discipline has obtained significant convictions and sen- President seem sound. The President esti- elsewhere. The booming economy, aided by tences against major drug traffickers, the in- mates that the economy will slow from 3.7% tough deficit reduction packages in 1993 and creased drug activity in North Texas is over- growth last year to 2% in 1998 and 1999, and 1997, has enabled the President to make a that inflation will remain low. This is rea- strong statement of policy and politics. The whelming current law enforcement resources. sonable, even conservative, compared to opponents of the President’s budget have not We urge the Director of the Office of National most economists’ forecasts. However, a re- rejected his proposals out of hand. They offer Drug Control Policy to commit the necessary cession would put great strains on the fed- alternatives to meet the nation’s problems, resources to the fights against drugs in the eral budget. such as school vouchers, larger tax credits, Dallas/Fort Worth area by making North Texas Major Themes: As in past years, the larg- business incentives, and other devices. Al- a High Intensity Drug Trafficking area. This est spending increases come in Social Secu- though there is some sweeping rhetoric rity and health benefits. In the remainder of crucial designation will mean greater re- about differences with the President, there is sources or and coordination among area law the budget, only research, education, and strong bipartisan support for action on child law enforcement rise faster than inflation. care, education, and tobacco. The stage has enforcement agencies. It will help the parents Spending in other areas is cut back to make been set for a dynamic and important debate in the Dallas/Fort Worth area take control of room for these increases. about the future of the country. this problem. The major initiatives of the President’s Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit for the budget include a voluntary expansion of f Medicare to persons age 62 to 64, provided record a resolution recently passed by the they pay for their benefits; reducing elemen- STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE Greater Dallas Crime Commission which tary school class size with 100,000 new teach- PETE SESSIONS, THE HONOR- makes similar points, and urges the Director of ers; expanding child care tax credits for em- ABLE DICK ARMEY, THE HONOR- the Office of National Drug Control Policy to ployers and families; and tax credits and re- ABLE JOE BARTON, THE HONOR- designate North Texas a High Intensity Drug search funding to reduce and protect against ABLE MARTIN FROST, THE HON- Trafficking Area. global warming. ORABLE KAY GRANGER, THE Research: The President proposes unprece- GREATER DALLAS CRIME COMMISSION dented increases in research funding for HONORABLE SAM JOHNSON, AND RESOLUTION science and technology. The budget requests THE HONORABLE EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON TO ENCOURAGE THE Whereas: Major Colombian and Mexican almost $80 billion for military and civilian drug trafficking organizations have estab- research programs combined. The National DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF lished significant transshipment operations Institute of Health, the Department of En- NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POL- in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area ergy, and the National Science Foundation ICY TO DESIGNATE NORTH (the ‘‘Metroplex’’) and North Texas generally have sizable increases in their budgets for TEXAS A HIGH INTENSITY DRUG since the early 1990’s; and medical research, energy efficiency, climate TRAFFICKING AREA Whereas: Law enforcement agencies in studies, and science education. I support in- North Texas have reported dramatic in- vestment in research as an investment in fu- creases in the importation, transportation ture economic growth. HON. PETE SESSIONS and distribution of heroin, Social Security: The President proposes to OF TEXAS ‘‘Save Social Security first’’ by placing any methamphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana budget surpluses in a reserve to help reform IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES into the area since the early 1990’s; and Social Security. I agree that Social Security Thursday, February 12, 1998 Whereas: Law enforcement seizures of her- should take priority over calls to finance ad- oin in North Texas have increased by more ditional spending or tax cuts. I do not think Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, my col- than 500% in recent years, and the purity of we should squander a surplus that has yet to leagues Congressman RICHARD ARMEY, Con- the heroin on North Texas streets has in- appear when we have a large national debt gressman JOE BARTON, Congressman SAM creased dramatically and lethally; and and long-term problems with Social Secu- JOHNSON, Congresswoman EDDIE BERNICE Whereas: The increased drug trafficking rity. JOHNSON, Congresswoman KAY GRANGER, and active in the area has become a breeding There will be a heated discussion in Con- I wish to inform other members of the House ground for the proliferation of street gangs gress about the use of possible budget sur- of Representatives about a situation in the and related violent crimes including theft, pluses. Reducing the debt and protecting So- robbery, prostitution, assault and murder; cial Security would reduce interest pay- greater Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area and ments and raise private investment in the which demands our attention. Whereas: The impact of the increased drug economy. The President’s plan puts an ob- Drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking are a activity in North Texas has resulted in an stacle in the way of others who want to give major problem in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, increase of drug overdose deaths in the area, away the surpluses in a sweeping tax cut. as they are in all other parts of the country. with most of the victims being teenagers or Tobacco: The President proposes to take However, there is evidence that points to the younger; and $13 billion a year from a proposed tobacco establishment of the area as a major trans- Whereas: Although the law enforcement settlement to fund a number of education community has obtained significant convic- and health initiatives. The exact source of shipment point for major drug trafficking oper- ations. For instance, major Colombian and tions and sentences against major drug traf- funds in a settlement is not clear—the origi- fickers, the increased drug activity in North nal settlement suggested that tobacco com- Mexican drug trafficking organizations have established significant transshipment oper- Texas is overwhelming current law enforce- panies pay the government large yearly ment resources; and sums, but others have proposed a substantial ations in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan Whereas: Designation of North Texas a increase in cigarette taxes. These revenues area. are highly speculative and uncertain because High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the Law enforcement agencies in North Texas Director of the Office of National Drug Con- payment would only come from an overall have reported dramatic increases in the impor- settlement approved by Congress. If the to- trol Policy will mean greater resources for bacco settlement does not come through the tation, transportation, and distribution of her- and coordination among area law enforce- President has indicated he will find other oin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and mari- ment agencies to combat drug trafficking or- sources to support his domestic initiatives, juana. And the increased drug trafficking ac- ganizations; and or will drop them all together. This adds tive in the area has become a breeding Now therefore, the Greater Dallas Crime pressure to approve a settlement. ground for the proliferation of street gangs and Commission urges the designation of North Next Steps: Congress will begin work on related violent crime. Texas as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. the budget as the House and Senate budget But, Mr. Speaker, despite the powerful sta- committees form a template budget resolu- In Witness Whereof This Twenty-second tion to lay the groundwork for additional tistics, what brings these problems home to us Day of January, 1998. congressional action. Congress will vote on is the deaths of children recently in and CULLEN M. GODFREY, the budget resolution in late spring, and the around Plano, Texas. As the Dallas Morning Chairman. detailed spending and tax bills will be final- News wrote in a recent editorial, ``At least a NICKIE MURCHISON, ized over the summer. A final budget rec- dozen young people from the Plano area have Executive Director. E184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 12, 1998 TRIBUTE TO SGT. HERMAN SMITH: times of war and times of peace. We must Secrecy concerns kept security so tight WE WILL NEVER FORGET help their loved ones cope with the demands that even the very crews flying these re- and stress placed upon them as military fami- placement aircraft didn’t know where they were going; and after a half-century, memo- HON. HAROLD ROGERS lies. We must honor them after they return ries have dimmed and files have dis- OF KENTUCKY from service, and if they don't return, we must appeared—so no one may ever know the com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES be dogged in our pursuit to bring them home. plete story of Smith and the men on B–24H Thursday, February 12, 1998 But, most important, we must never forget the ‘‘Liberator,’’ serial no. 42–95064. sacrifices they have made. Exact details remain a mystery; however, Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, on February 20, We should remember, because every man Smith’s aircraft was apparently headed for 1998, Sgt. Herman Smith of Williamsburg, and woman who has served in this nation's duty in Europe by way of a series of refuel- Kentucky, and nine other World War II crew- armed forces has helped secure the peace ing stops leading from the U.S. to Africa by men of the B±24H ``Liberator,'' serial number that we enjoy today. In times of peace and way of South America when it crashed in the 42±95064, will be buried with full military hon- Brazilian jungle. war, American's military personnel have been This ferry route enabled new planes to re- ors at Arlington National Cemetery. a beacon of hope in the darkness of conflict. This ceremony is a long-overdue recognition place lost combat aircraft in a matter of a They answered the call of service, prepared to few days, instead of the weeks it would take of the honor, bravery and devotion displayed make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. to ship them across the Atlantic Ocean. by ten World War II servicemen who lost their The next generation must know about the After probably flying from Colorado lives nearly 54 years ago when their plane courage, honor and strength of the men and Springs to Florida and then south to Trini- crashed in northeastern Brazil on April 11, dad, Smith’s B–24H reportedly left Trinidad’s women who gave their lives for us. Our serv- 1944. Waller Field at 6:09 a.m. April 11, 1944, At 9:05 a.m. on that fateful day, 42±95064's ice members must know that we will never for- enroute to Bele´m, Brazil. pilot requested weather information. That was get. Around 9:05, about an hour from Bele´m, 42- Mr. Speaker, so everyone will remember the the last word from 42±95064 and her crew. 95064’s pilot, 2nd Lt. Edward J. Bares, report- story of the men on B±24H ``Liberator,'' serial edly requested weather information. Today, no one quite knows where the crew A ground station in Brazil responded with of 42±95064 was heading, what their mission number 42±95064, I ask that a newspaper ar- ticle appearing in the Whitley Republican- a report, but heard nothing further from the was, or why the plane went down. For 51 plane. years, no one even knew where the plane and News Journal in Williamsburg, Kentucky, be Nothing further was ever to be heard from her crew were. Sgt. Herman Smith's mother printed here, for everyone to read. 42-95064. May God bless all the men and women who passed on without ever knowing what hap- LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN serve in America's Armed Forces, and may pened to her boy. Like thousands of other ‘‘We were on the same route, departing mothers, fathers, wives, sons and daughters God bless the United States of America. probably the 16th of April,’’ remembers R.F. whose loved ones were listed as missing in [From the News Journal—February 4, 1998] ‘‘Dick’’ Gelvin, a B–24 navigator whose air- action, Mrs. Smith lived her life with an empty LOCAL MAN WAS BALL TURRET GUNNER ON craft took the same route to the front only place in her heart, never knowing the fate of LONG-LOST WWII B–24H BOMBER days later. Somewhere in some foreign field, The gunner ‘‘I don’t remember them telling us about her son. having lost an airplane in the previous Although Herman Smith and thousands of sleeps tonight . . . But we cannot write off his final scene—Hold week.’’ other American servicemen have been listed ‘‘I do recall them telling we navigators, we onto the dream . . . as missing, they have never been forgotten. would have enough fuel that we could follow ‘‘The Gunner’s Dream,’’ Pink Floyd, 1982 Over the years, we have continued efforts to the (South American) coast if we wanted to discover the fate of American service mem- (By Philip A. Todd) do so, but that over the (Brazilian) jungle bers lost during times of war. And, with the Like thousands of his fellow World War II would be closer,’’ he said. servicemen, a Williamsburg man listed as help of the Army Central Identification Labora- ‘‘After a crew discussion, we opted to take missing in action (MIA) for over a half cen- the ‘great circle’ (globe-line) route, over the tory in Hawaii, hundreds of missing service- tury will never come home. jungle.’’ men have been identified, providing their fami- However, after making the ultimate sac- Apparently 42-95064’s navigator, 1st Lt. lies with peace of mind and final resolution. rifice for their country, Sgt. Herman Smith Floyd D. Kyte Jr., took the same shortcut to That is the story of the long-lost crew of 42± and the nine other crewmen on his B–24H Bele´m, but the plane crashed some 250 miles 95064. During the 1990s, reports started com- bomber will finally receive the remembrance short of that Brazilian port city. ing back of plane wreckage in an uninhabited, they earned with their lives. Authorities have never issued an official isolated area of the Amazon jungle. After a The remains of the ten Army Air Corps explanation for the crash. aviators, who died on April 11, 1944 when 1994 search party failed to find the site, offi- The aircraft remained lost until the 1990s, their plane crashed in northeastern Brazil, when a group of gold prospectors reportedly cials finally confirmed the plane's location. On will be buried Feb. 20 with full military hon- stumbled across it. Independence Day 1995, a 15-man team from ors in Arlington National Cemetery, official A joint expedition by the Forc¸a Ae´rea the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory sources said. Brasileira (FAB, Brazil’s air force), and the arrived in Brazil to begin the arduous process Sadly, this recognition comes much too U.S. Army located the crash site and recov- of bringing our boys back home. late for most of those who waited in vain for ered the crew’s remains in July 1995. Next week, the 10 crew members of 42± news of their loved ones—while for 51 years, ‘‘They told me that the place was 150 miles 95064 will be placed in their resting place after the bomber’s crash site remained lost, hid- off course,’’ said James K. Leitch, whose den in a dense and uninhabited region of the brother, Staff Sgt. John E. Leitch, was 42- 54 long years. Phyllis Bowling of Williamsburg, Amazon jungle. 95064’s flight engineer. a first cousin of Sgt. Herman Smith and his Smith’s mother, Martha E. Smith of Cum- James Leitch, also a World War II veteran, closest living relative, will attend the service. berland Ave., Williamsburg, apparently died said he contacted government officials in For the people of Williamsburg, Kentucky, this years ago; and now, no one at Veterans of 1995 after reading a short news report that service means that one more man, whose Foreign Wars Post 3167 seems to remember the plane had been found. name has been forever captured on the VFW him. ‘‘They don’t know why it went down, but it His name appears on the VFW’s memorial could have run out of gas.’’ Post 3167's memorial commemorating those outside the courthouse, along with the other ‘‘They feel that the whole crew was killed killed from Whitley County during the Great Whitley County men listed and killed during on impact,’’ he said. War, will finally receive the military honors he the Great War. Other than that, there has A HALF-CENTURY’S SILENCE deserves. been nothing but silence surrounding Smith, When 42-95064 and its crew of 10 went down Every day, men and women from counties the plane’s ball turret gunner, and his in April 1944, James Leitch was a 19-year-old all across our nation volunteer, like Herman crewmates for nearly 54 years. infantry-man waiting to be shipped to duty Smith did, for one of the most important jobs DO YOU READ ME, 42–95064? in the Pacific. America has to offerÐmilitary service in the As the Allied war effort in Europe esca- His company commander called him to the United States Armed Forces. These men and lated towards the ‘‘longest day’’—the actual office and told him he needed to go home to women have so much faith, honor, love and invasion of Hitler’s ‘‘Fortress Europe’’ on D- Los Angeles. respect for this nation that they are prepared Day, June 6, 1944—America and her allies There, his parents told him his brother was mounted heavy bombing raids throughout reported missing in action somewhere in the to sacrifice their lives in order to preserve and Axis-held Europe, North Africa and Italy. Brazilian jungle. protect the United States and all that she Daily aircraft losses reaching 50 percent in About a month later, A Brazilian native stands for. some raids meant new, replacement planes reportedly told officials he had seen the In turn, we must remain committed to them. moved in a steady stream from American wreckage of a four-engine plane and six bod- We must support our service personnel in factories to the front. ies, but the man disappeared before anyone