President, I rise today in honor of Colonel Donald M. Singer, an Airman who fought in Vietnam and a hero of America. Donald and his wife Elizabeth had four children. He was stationed as an Electronic Warfare Officer at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. This nation called Donald Singer to service in Vietnam in April of 1966. After training in California and before his deployment overseas, Donald got to attend the confirmation of his oldest daughter, ten-year old Susan. That was the last time Susan saw her dad. Major Donald Singer was selected to be part of an elite group of Airmen known as the “Wild Weasels.” In August of 1966, on a mission north of Hanoi, North Vietnamese forces shot down his F-105 fighter jet. Both men on board ejected. Nobody knows exactly what happened after that. But reports indicate Donald’s parachute never fully opened. And he was never heard from again. The U.S. government considered Donald missing in action and despite his status, promoted him to the rank of Colonel. Eleven years later, in 1977, the Singer family got a phone call. Donald’s remains had been found. And at last, he was coming home to the United States. Today, Colonel Singer’s remains rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Although Colonel Singer was a decorated Airman, his family never received all the honors he earned in service to this nation. And it is my honor to present them to his daughter Susan today, her birthday, December 7, 2012. On behalf of a grateful nation, I present Colonel Donald Singer’s: • • • Purple Heart The Air Force Commendation Medal The Presidential Unit Citation
• • •
The Bronze Service Star for the National Defense Service Medal The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Ribbon And the Bronze Service Star for the Vietnam Service Medal
These decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true heroism. Sacrifice. And dedication to service. They are presented on behalf of a nation that will never forget Donald Singer’s heroism.
