Rodney Davis

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the supreme heroism of Colonel Harvey Curtiss Barnum, Jr., of the United States Marine Corps. Colonel Barnum was with the 3rd Marine Division and was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in action on December 18, 1965, in Vietnam. Colonel Barnum's company became pinned down by enemy fire. Upon discovering the company commander and radio operator were seriously wounded, he took control of the radio and assumed command of the rifle company. Colonel Barnum began positioning the men into firing positions and began identifying targets to engage. Behind his leadership, the units maintained their composure in the face of extreme danger and potential disadvantage. Colonel Barnum took point and led the platoon on a successful counterattack, eliminating key positions, and evacuated the wounded. It is for his extraordinary courage that I'm proud to stand here to honor and remember the actions of Colonel Harvey Curtiss Barnum, Jr. Honoring Colonel Gordon Ray Roberts

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bravery and courage of Sergeant Gary Burnell Beikirch of the United States Army. Sergeant Beikirch was with the 1st Special Forces and was awarded the Medal of Honor for extreme gallantry in action on April 1, 1970, in Vietnam. When an enemy force launched an attack, the allied defenders suffered a multitude of casualties. Without regard for his own well- being, Sergeant Beikirch sprinted from position to position to treat the wounded servicemen. Upon receiving notice that an American officer had been wounded and left exposed, Sergeant Beikirch charged through enemy fire and carried the officer to safety. Instead of allowing for his own wounds to be treated, Sergeant Beikirch continuously ran between the aid station and the field of battle to retrieve the wounded. It is for his complete and utter devotion to the welfare of his fellow soldiers that I'm proud to honor the actions tonight of Sergeant Gary Burnell Beikirch. Honoring Lieutenant General Robert Franklin Foley

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my colleague from the great state of Oregon (Mr. Walden) to honor Technician 5th Grade Robert Dale Maxwell of the United States Army. Technician 5th Grade Maxwell was in the 3rd Infantry Division and was awarded the Medal of Honor for supreme bravery in action on September 7, 1944, in France. Technician 5th Grade Maxwell and three others, armed only with .45 caliber sidearms, defended the battalion headquarters against an overwhelming onslaught by an enemy platoon. Despite withering enemy fire, Maxwell aggressively fought off the advancing enemy and inspired his fellow soldiers to continue. When an enemy hand grenade landed among the squad, Mr. Maxwell unhesitatingly hurled himself upon it, using his blanket and body to absorb the full force of the explosion. The act of incredible heroism permanently maimed Technician 5th Grade Maxwell but saved the lives of his comrades and enabled vital communications to continue during the withdrawal from the headquarters. It is for his valiant efforts and relentless spirit that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Technician 5th Grade Robert Dale Maxwell. Honoring Captain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my colleague from Ohio (Mr. Stivers) to honor the heroic efforts of Master Sergeant Ronald Eugene Rosser of the United States Army. Master Sergeant Rosser was serving with the 2nd Infantry Division and received his Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in action on January 12, 1952, in Korea. When Master Sergeant Rosser's platoon came under heavy enemy fire from two sides, he charged the enemy's positions, taking the hill, and killing seven. Master Sergeant Rosser then descended to rearm and retake the hill once more, while eliminating enemies along the way. After he had taken the hill a third time, and killed at least 13, Master Sergeant Rosser helped retrieve the wounded men and make a successful withdrawal. It is for his gallant actions and courageous and selfless devotion to duty that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Master Sergeant Ronald Eugene Prosser. Honoring Corporal Tibor Rubin and 2nd Lieutenant Walter David Ehlers

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleague from the great State of Idaho (Mr. Labrador), I rise to honor the heroic efforts of Colonel Bernard Francis Fisher of the United States Air Force and of Kuna, Idaho. Colonel Fisher was with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry on March 10, 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. A Special Forces camp was under attack, and hostile troops had positioned themselves between the airstrip and the camp. Colonel Fisher observed a fellow airman crash on the airstrip. In the belief that the pilot was injured and in danger of capture, Colonel Fisher decided to land and attempt a rescue. Directing his own cover, he landed and taxied the full length of the runway to rescue the pilot. Colonel Fisher's aircraft was struck 19 times. In the face of fire, he applied power and took off at the overrun airstrip. It is for the risking of his life above the call of duty that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Colonel Bernard Francis Fisher. Honoring Lieutenant Thomas G. Kelley

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to my friend and colleague from the great State of South Carolina (Mr. Sanford). Honoring Major General James Everett Livingston

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of Lieutenant Thomas Rolland Norris of Hayden Lake, Idaho, on behalf my colleague from Idaho (Mr. Labrador.) Lieutenant Norris was a SEAL Advisor, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for supreme bravery in action from April 10 to April 13, 1972, in Vietnam. During the 3-day period, Lieutenant Norris and a 5-man team established a Forward Operating Base deep within heavily-controlled enemy territory to conduct a rescue of several downed pilots. Although the first pilot was located and rescued on the evening of the first night, a second pilot was missing. On the last day, Lieutenant Norris and one Vietnamese, dressed in fishermen disguises, traveled in a sampan up-river and located the last pilot. Lieutenant Norris and his companion were then able to safely return the pilot for medical care and evacuation. It is for his outstanding display of leadership and courage that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant Thomas Rolland Norris. Honoring Private 1st Class Robert Ernest Simanek

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit, for the Record, on behalf of my colleague from the great State of Wisconsin (Mr. Duffy), in honor of the valiant efforts of Sergeant Einar H. Ingman, Jr., of the United States Army. Sergeant Ingman's company was pinned down by enemy fire that wounded all squad leaders and several other men. Then-Corporal Ingman assumed the command, reorganized and combined the two trapped squads, and proceeded to charge the enemy machine guns alone. He took out one crew with a grenade before being hit by a second machine gun. Seriously injured, and with incredible courage and stamina, Corporal Ingman rose and killed the entire gun crew, using only his rifle, before falling unconscious from his wounds. As a result of this singular action, the defense of the enemy was broken, his squad secured its objective, and more than 100 hostile troops abandoned their weapons and fled in disorganized retreat. It is for his courage and unwavering devotion that I'm proud to honor, on behalf of my good friend and colleague from Wisconsin (Mr. Duffy), and remember the actions of Sergeant Einar H. Ingman, Jr. Honoring Private George Taro Sakato

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the valiant efforts of Chaplain Angelo J. Liteky of the United States Army. Chaplain Liteky was awarded the Medal of Honor. Chaplain Liteky was participating in a search and destroy operation when Company A came under intense fire from a battalion-size enemy force. Observing two wounded men, Chaplain Liteky moved to within 15 meters of an enemy machine gun position to reach them, placing himself between the enemy and the wounded men. Inspired by his courageous actions, the company rallied and began placing a heavy volume of fire upon the enemy's positions. In a magnificent display of courage and leadership, Chaplain Liteky began moving upright through the enemy fire, administering last rites to the dying and evacuating the wounded. Upon the unit's relief on the morning of December 7, 1967, it was discovered that, despite his painful wounds in the neck and foot, Chaplain Liteky had personally carried over 20 men to the landing zone for evacuation during the savage fighting. Through his indomitable inspiration and heroic actions, Chaplain Liteky saved the lives of a number of his comrades and enabled the company to repulse the enemy. It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Chaplain Liteky. And for reasons unbeknownst to many of us, Chaplain Liteky has renounced his Medal of Honor, but still on this floor of the House deserves to be honored for the heroism that he demonstrated that day in 1967. Honoring Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Also, on behalf of my colleague Ander Crenshaw from the great State of Florida, I would like to honor Petty Officer Robert Ingram from Jacksonville, Florida, for the valiant efforts of Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert Ingram, who was in the United States Navy and was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of North Vietnam on March 28, 1966. He accompanied a point platoon as it engaged an outpost of a North Vietnamese battalion. As the fighting moved from a ridge to a rice paddy, the tree line exploded with a hail of bullets from 100 North Vietnamese regulars. In mere moments, the platoon ranks were decimated, but he proceeded to collect the ammunition from the dead and offered aid to the wounded. I would also like to now yield to my colleague from the great State of Hawaii to honor some more of our heroes.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Also submitting for the Record on behalf of my colleague from Texas, Lamar Smith, we are going to honor Major General Patrick Henry Brady. Major General Brady was awarded the Medal of Honor for extreme heroism on January 6, 1968, in Vietnam as a member of the 54th Medical Detachment. He rescued dozens of seriously wounded men from an enemy-held territory blanketed by fog and braved enemy fire to save his comrades. Honoring Petty Officer Robert Ingram

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. I would also like to submit for the Record in honor of my colleague Lynn Jenkins from the State of Kansas, to honor Colonel Roger Hugh Charles Donlon of Leavenworth, Kansas, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1964 for distinguished service in Vietnam. While defending a U.S. military installation against an attack by hostile forces, Colonel Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage. Honoring Major General Patrick Henry Brady

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. My good friend Bill Young from Florida submitted for the Record a speech in honor of Sergeant First Class Littrell of Florida. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on April 8, 1970. Sergeant First Class Littrell was assigned to the United States Military Assistance Command, and he distinguished himself while serving as a light weapons infantry adviser with the 23rd battalion. Honoring Colonel Roger Hugh Charles Donlon

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you to the gentlelady from Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to now be in the process where Ms. Gabbard and I are going to read some of the remaining speeches in honor of some of our heroes who are living today. And I would first like to go through a few for my colleagues that are going to be submitted for the Record but are unable to be here tonight due to extenuating circumstances. Honoring Sergeant First Class Gary Lee Littrell

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you, Mr. Messer. I would like to now yield to my colleague from the great State of Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). Honoring Clarence Eugene Sasser

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you, Mr. McClintock. Right now I would like to yield to my good friend from the great State of Indiana (Mr. Messer). Honoring Sergeant Sammy L. Davis

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you. Now I yield to my colleague from the great State of California (Mr. McClintock). Honoring Sergeant Major Jon R. Cavaiani

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you, Tulsi. It is an honor to be standing here with you in this great Chamber to honor our heroes. I now yield to my good friend from the great State of Washington (Mr. Kilmer). Honoring Sergeant John Hawk

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you, Mr. Lance. Mr. Speaker, since the first Medal of Honor was given on March 25, 1863, only 3,461 men have also earned it. Today, as has been mentioned, only 79 living recipients remain. In order to properly honor these heroes, as you know, we've invited our fellow Members of Congress in bipartisan fashion to come to the floor and speak on each one of the living recipients of this great Medal of Honor. But I'd first would like to personally thank my colleague, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, for joining me in this effort across the aisle. As a veteran and a current member of the Hawaii National Guard, Tulsi exemplifies the values and discipline of our armed services. I would also like to recognize Garrett Anderson, my district staffer, who handles veteran issues and who was able to join me tonight for this special occasion. Garrett is a veteran of the Iraq war and has become a leader for all veterans and wounded warriors not only in his home community of Champaign-Urbana, but throughout our Nation. Representative Tulsi Gabbard and Garrett Anderson are not only role models to young folks across this great country, but to my own children as well. I'm honored to have their support tonight. I now yield to my colleague, Tulsi Gabbard.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to my good friend from the great State of New Jersey (Mr. Lance). Honoring Colonel Jack H. Jacobs

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you to my colleague from Florida. I would like to now yield to my colleague Mr. Heck from Washington's 10th Congressional District. Honoring Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much for being here to honor a true hero. I would like to now yield to my colleague from Florida (Mr. Buchanan). Honoring Private First Class Hector Albert Cafferata, Jr.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you, my good friend Mr. Shimkus. At this point, I would like to yield to my colleague from the 20th Congressional District of the great State of New York (Mr. Tonko). Honoring Sergeant First Class Francis Sherman Currey

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is again an honor for me to be here today with my colleagues to honor the 79 living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. To continue what we started earlier, I'd like to yield to my colleague from the great State of Illinois (Mr. Shimkus). Honoring Captain Howard V. Lee

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.