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On 10 December, Barry Lanman, author of “On Heroic Wings”, and Lewis Watt, sec- retary of the DFC Society, visited Senator Manchin (WVA) and his staff in their Washing- ton DC offices. The purpose of the visit was to thank them for their support in moving the Na- tional Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial Act through the Senate. The Act had been stalled for many months when Senator Manchin agreed to find a way to get it moving. Erin Burns, one of the Senator’s excellent staffers, initiated a “Fast track” action, burned up phone lines and had the Act on the floor and approved in days. The Act, which cost the tax payers nothing, received only one “No” vote, that by a Senator who felt the government should be supporting the Memorial financially.
Barry presented the Senator with the Society
print and an autographed copy of “On Heroic Wings”; Lewis presented Ms. Burns with a plaque (and a box of Godiva chocolates!).
The Society’s efforts to produce a documentary were discussed briefly. Barry suggested that the Senator might provide introductory comments for the docu- mentary; the Senator agreed enthusiastically.
Senator Manchin presented with the DFC Society framed print
Lewis Watt and Barry Lanman present Senator Manchin with the DFC Society framed print.
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