President Lai Awards Commendation Orders to Fallen Pilots: 'We Will Always Be Proud of You'

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, June 17) President Lai Qingde posted on Facebook today, expressing profound grief and sorrow as he bid farewell to Air Force Colonel Hsu Chun-nan and Colonel Lu Chi-yu, who died in a training accident. He awarded them presidential commendation orders in gratitude for their lifelong dedication to the nation. Hsu and Lu had long served in flight training and talent development, safeguarding Taiwan's airspace. The people of Taiwan will "always be proud of you."

On June 2, a T-34C primary trainer aircraft (tail number 3414) based at Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung crashed just 21 minutes after takeoff during a simulated engine failure route training mission piloted by Lieutenant Colonels Hsu Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu. Both pilots died in the crash. On June 11, the Presidential Office issued a presidential order posthumously promoting the late Air Force Lieutenant Colonels Hsu Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu to the rank of Colonel. The order took effect on June 2.

President Lai posted on Facebook today, expressing deep sorrow and sadness as he bid farewell to the aerial heroes, Colonel Hsu Chun-nan and Colonel Lu Chi-yu, and honored their contributions to the nation through the awarding of commendation orders.

The President said that Hsu and Lu were outstanding and senior Air Force pilots at the Air Force Flight Training Command, having trained countless successors and enabling generations of eagles to soar high, protecting Taiwan's airspace.

He said that among their peers, Hsu was known as the cheerful, sincere, and well-liked "Little Hsu," while to trainees, he was the strict "Devil Instructor," and within the unit, he was a model of loyalty and excellence.

He said that Lu Chi-yu had set his ambition in high school to serve in the military and dedicate himself to the nation. More remarkably, Lu chose to remain in Gangshan as an instructor to be close to his parents, a filial act that deeply moved many.

The President urged the Ministry of National Defense to provide the most comprehensive care and support to help the families through this difficult time. He expressed gratitude to the families for allowing their beloved sons, husbands, and fathers to serve in the military and defend the nation.

The President said, "Thank you, Hsu Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu. Your mission is complete. Please lay down your burdens and fly in peace. We will always be proud of you." (Edited by Chai Szu-chia) 1150617