The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“REMEMBERING CECIL E. HARRIS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Senate section on pages S5694 on May 20, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING CECIL E. HARRIS
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize and congratulate the outstanding career of Cecil Harris, decorated Navy pilot. For his heroic actions in World War II, Cecil received the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. His bravery is again being honored in with the dedication of the Cecil E. Harris Highway in northeast South Dakota.
This Cresbard native was enrolled in the Northern State Teachers College when he enlisted in the Navy in March 1941 and was sent to northern Africa. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor nine months later, Cecil's remarkable flying abilities were noted and he was moved to the Pacific to combat the Kamikaze attacks. Cecil shot down 24 enemy warplanes in 81 days while never taking a single bullet on his own plane, making him the second-ranking World War II Naval Ace.
After the war, Cecil returned home to become a teacher and coach. In 1951, he was called to Tennessee to train pilots for the Korean war. He was then promoted to captain and sent to the Pentagon. He retired in June 1967 after serving 27 years in the Navy. He passed away in 1981 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.
This stretch of Highway 20 will bear the name of a dedicated and decorated war hero. Cecil Harris exemplified South Dakota values in his unwavering commitment to his country, and I commend the South Dakota Department of Transportation for honoring this outstanding individual.
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