03/27/2024

Rep. Robert Pittenger

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WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) addressed the U.S. House of Representatives in honor of Laurinburg-Maxton Army Air Base, which played a vital but little-known role in World War Two.

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“From 1942 to 1945, Scotland County helped prepare glider pilots for the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy.  Generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Marshall visited the base during the war to observe glider training.

 

“On June 6, 1944, when more than 160,000 Allied troops landed during the invasion of Normandy, glider pilots trained in Scotland County were among the vanguard as American soldiers silently soared down the French coastline through thick fog, powered only by the prevailing winds.

 

“The brave glider pilots who trained at Laurinburg-Maxton Army Air Base helped secure Allied victory on D-Day.  Today, I ask you to join me in honoring these soldiers, as well as the Scotland County community which supported these efforts.”

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