Fauteck, Keneth G.

Kenneth G. Fauteck, Lt., USAF (Fallen)
December 10, 1936 – March 07, 1959

EXTENSION OF REMARKS
OF
HON. SEYMOUR HALPERN
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, March 25, 1959

Mr. HALPERN. Mr. Speaker, Monday’s newspapers announced the finding in Spokane, Wash., after a 16-day search, of the body of little 9-year-old Candice Elaine Rogers who had disappeared as she was selling Camp Fire Girl mints near her home.

The Nation has been deeply horrified by the wanton brutality of the crime. It is the hope of all of us that the vicious murderer may soon be apprehended and brought before a court for trial.

Today I want to say a few words, in both pride and sorrow, about another very tragic phase of the case, the heroic death of a young man who grew up in my congressional district, the Fourth District of New York.

Kenneth G. Fauteck, a second lieutenant in the Air Force, who was killed in a helicopter accident near Spokane, on March 7, was the eldest of the two sons of George and Marie Fauteck, of 216-18 117th Road, Cambria Heights, N.Y. He was pilot of an Air Force helicopter, and was, with four other crew members, engaged in a volunteer search up the Spokane River for the missing little girl, when the helicopter struck some high-tension wires of the Washington Water Power Co., and fell in wreckage into the Nine Mile Reservoir. Two others were killed with Kenneth; SSgt. William A. McDonnell, and A2C Marlice D. Ray. Two survived, with minor injuries; SSgt. James L. Fisher and A2C Michael R. Holloway.

Kenneth Fauteck leaves a young bride, the former Eleanor Dengler of Ozone Park, N.Y., to mourn his loss and to take pride in the memory of his brave sacrifice. Otto Gumaelius, to whom I am grateful for sending me word of this sad event, well asks;

“In a time of peace, what greater glory can a young man have than one who, while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States unselfishly and heroically gave up his life so that a child might live?”

Police Inspector Robert B. Piper, in whose search for the missing child Kenneth Fauteck and the others were assisting, said;

“How do you thank men for such a noble gift? Their deaths are a great tragedy. I know the boys who died felt it was as necessary as anything in the world for them to do what they did.”

The mayor and the City Counsel of Spokane have similarly expressed their gratitude and grief, personally and in the name of the city of Spokane. But it seems fitting also that there be a recognition of the sacrifice of Kenneth Fauteck in particular, here on the floor of the House, at once local, in that I represent his home district, and national, in that I am speaking before the House of Representative of the United Sates.

Kenneth was but 22 years old, and had been married only a year this month. He had, after his marriage on March 2, 1958, been transferred in rapid succession from Mitchel Field to Georgia, to Texas, to California, and finally to Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Wash. His quick intelligence and eager interest in flying had enabled him, without having completed high school, to earn his officer’s commission. It seems sure that he had a great career, in service and achievement, before him-but no length of life could have earned him more gratitude and glory toan his death in the performance of this brave act. As a symbol of the recognition Kenneth Fauteck has deserved from his country, I am sending to his family, in tribute to his memory, and American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Integrity, Honor, and Respect
Some of the best things cannot be bought, they must be earned

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