RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 104; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Rancho Mirage, California, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne was a retired Brigadier General and the nation's oldest World War II ace fighter pilot; and
WHEREAS, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne shot down six Japanese planes during the Battle of Guadalcanal, a campaign which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater of Operations; and
WHEREAS, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne was a recipient of the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Congressional Gold Medal; and
WHEREAS, The son of a Spanish-American War veteran, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne attended the U.S. Naval Academy for two years before completing his education at the University of Arizona in 1935; and
WHEREAS, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne enlisted in the Marine Corps as an aviation cadet and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1936; and
WHEREAS, Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne embarked for Midway and entered combat at Guadalcanal in September of 1942; and
WHEREAS, The heroism, bravery and sacrifice of Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Frederick R. "Fritz" Payne imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-...
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