IN REMEMBERANCE OF (Ret.) Col. Paul f. dudley

HON. DEAN HELLER

OF NEVADA

IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE

June 25, 2015

Mr. Heller: Mr. President, today we honor the life and service of (Ret.) Col. Paul F. Dudley, whose passing signifies a great loss to Nevada. I send my condolences and prayers to his wife Barbara and all of Mr. Dudley’s family in this time of mourning, including his six children, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Mr. Dudley was a man committed to his family, his country, his state, and his community. He will be sorely missed.

Mr. Dudley was born on April 24, 1925, in Marengo, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marines and served during World War II. Following the war, Mr. Dudley attended Otterbein College and served his local community as an Ohio State Patrol trooper and detective. He later served in the Ohio Air National Guard, following graduating first in his class from the Air Force in Colorado as a nuclear weapons maintenance officer and returning to active duty. Throughout his service with the Ohio Air National Guard, he commanded the NATO Special Ammunition Storage Site in Ghedi, Italy. In 1975, he moved his family to Las Vegas and served at Nellis Air Force Base to command the Aviation Depot Squadron. Mr. Dudley’s service to this country has been invaluable.

From serving in World War II, to his Air Force assignments as a nuclear safety officer in Italy, to his duty as an inspector general at the Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam, his bravery was without limit. Mr. Dudley received two Distinguished Flying Cross medals for his extraordinary actions as a Marine radioman-gunner during World War II and also flew in 43 combat missions throughout the Pacific campaign.

As a World War II veteran, Mr. Dudley’s commitment to his country, as well as his dedication to his family and community, exemplified why the legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations to come.  These veterans truly are the Greatest Generation—selflessly serving not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.  As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they are cared for when they return home.  I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and service members in Nevada and throughout the nation.

I extend my deepest sympathies to Barbara and all of Mr. Dudley’s family. We will always remember Mr. Dudley for his courageous contributions to the United States of America. His service to his country and dedication to his family and community earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our nation.

Throughout his life, Mr. Dudley maintained a dedication to keeping this great nation safe, which I am honored to commend. His patriotism and drive will never be forgotten. Today, I join the Las Vegas community and citizens of the Silver State to celebrate the life of an upstanding Nevadan.