**REMARKS OF CONGRESSMAN RICHARD E. NEAL (D-MA)**

**BAKERS CREEK MEMORIAL UNVEILING CEREMONY**

**WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL**

**June 14, 2006**

> Sixty-three years ago today, on the eastern coast of Australia, 40
> brave Americans serving their country were killed when the B-17 they
> were flying in mysteriously crashed in Baker's Creek after an early
> morning takeoff.
>
> In the six decades that have passed, the accident remains the worst
> aviation accident in Australian history. It was also the worst
> airplane crash in the Pacific theatre of WWII.
>
> But outside of Australia, where a memorial to the fallen American
> soldiers was dedicated near Mackay in 1992, few details have emerged
> about the crash or the crew.
>
> An order from Gen. Douglas MacArthur, not to reveal the "presence or
> movement" of allied troops in Australia, kept information about the
> crew classified for years.
>
> But today, at the national WWII memorial that honors the 16 million
> who served in the armed forces, and the 400,000 who died, Americans
> and Australians have come together to pay tribute to an overlooked
> group of servicemen.
>
> Thanks to the work of many gathered here today, their story is finally
> being told, and a new chapter of history is finally being written.
>
> Several years ago, a native of Springfield, MA, named Robert Cutler
> was reading his father's dairy when he came upon the following
> passage:
>
> "I put the men on the ship and so had a direct part in sealing their
> fate. Also, I was at the scene of the crash and saw the mangled
> bodies, killed while flying at 200 miles per hour. Terrible."
>
> Samuel Cutler, a US Army Air Force Captain who passed away in 1990,
> was the officer of the day on June 14, 1943, and was the last person
> to see the crew alive.
>
> His moving account of the Baker's Creek crash inspired his son Robert
> to begin an extraordinary journey to find out what happened in
> Australia 60 years ago.
>
> In large measure, we are here in Washington today because of the
> tireless work of Robert Cutler. I would like Robert to please stand up
> and be recognized for his tireless efforts.
>
> I would also like to say a few words about his father Sam Cutler
> because he was a good friend and loyal supporter of mine.
>
> He was extremely proud of his service to our country. And it is an
> honor for me to pay tribute to him and all the members of our armed
> forces in such a grand and important setting.
>
> Let me also take a moment to recognize the members of the Australian
> government and military who are here in Washington today. We are
> grateful for your support and friendship.
>
> I am pleased to be a co-sponsor of H. Con. Res 106, which expresses
> the sense of Congress that a site in Arlington National Cemetery
> should be provided for a memorial marker to honor the 40 men who lost
> their lives in the crash at Baker's Creek.
>
> It is a fitting honor for a generation where, to quote Admiral Chester
> Nimitz: "uncommon valor was a common virtue."
>
> As we stand among our nation's most enduring symbols, let us hope this
> memorial marker to the men of Baker's Creek soon takes it rightful
> place in Arlington National Cemetery.
>
> Thank you very much.