Historic flying aces awarded Congressional Gold Medal, OSS vets now on track for the same honor

OPINION:

A grand group of heroic flyers gets recognition: the Congressional Gold Medal was presented to American fighter aces collectively at the U.S. Capitol this week - these are military pilots credited with destroying five or more confirmed enemy aircraft in aerial combat in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. More than 60,000 fighter pilots flew in that time period, but fewer than 1,500 are designated as aces.

The medal itself features four pilots, an ace of spades and military wings - inscribed with the words ’duty, courage and aggressiveness.’ Official bronze reproductions are available through the U.S. Mint, incidentally. Consult USmint.gov

Another group of heroes appear to be on the same track, meanwhile. The OSS Society, a non-profit, is still seeking consideration for a Congressional Gold Medal to be presented those who served in the Office of Strategic Services - the World War II pre-cursor of the CIA and U.S. special forces. Find their official history at the CIA website here

Charles Pinck, the group’s president, advises that legislation seeking the award will be introduced shortly in the House and Senate. Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Bob Latta are the key legislative pointmen here.

“Those who served our country in OSS deserve to be honored for their heroic, pioneering contributions to our nation. This year is the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, and not many of these brave OSS veterans are still with us. We should recognize their service and their valor with the highest honor Congress can confer,” Mr. Warner tells The Washington Times.