12380 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 9 May 13, 2009 Americans have come to love, enjoy, and service of the members of the United States MEDAL OF HONOR COMMEMORA- even expect. Armed Services. I would like to say a special TIVE COIN ACT OF 2009 Armed Forces Day is an important part of thanks to Chairman SKELTON and Ranking Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I move National Military Appreciation Month. It is a Member MCHUGH, as well as to the Members to suspend the rules and pass the bill day to celebrate and appreciate all the Armed and staff of the House Armed Services Com- (H.R. 1209) to require the Secretary of Forces. The Armed Forces in our country are mittee for their tireless efforts in support of our the Treasury to mint coins in recogni- truly an admirable group of individuals who soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who are tion and celebration of the establish- demonstrate the strength, unity, and commu- bravely defending us at home and abroad. ment of the Medal of Honor in 1861, nity that the United States stands for. It is im- Today, it is appropriate that we take a mo- America’s highest award for valor in portant we recognize the Armed Forces as in- ment to recognize and say thank you to the action against an enemy force which dividuals and as a group for all that they con- members of our Armed Forces for their dedi- can be bestowed upon an individual tribute to our great nation. cation, sacrifice, and honor. Each and every serving in the Armed Services of the H. Res. 377 is essential to demonstrating day, they keep this great nation safe and pro- United States, to honor the American the Congress’s support and acknowledgement tect the freedoms that we enjoy every single military men and women who have of such an important day. The Armed Forces day. We are proud of all of our servicemen been recipients of the Medal of Honor, are a substantial entity of our nation and and women and are eternally grateful for their and to promote awareness of what the greatly contributes to our strength as a nation efforts in the Global War on Terror. Further- Medal of Honor represents and how or- on a very real and global level. H. Res. 377 more, let us not forget those who have given dinary Americans, through courage, will further emphasize this importance, and their lives in service to our freedom, and let us sacrifice, selfless service and patriot- more importantly, focus on a genuine appre- say a gracious thank you to them for their will- ism, can challenge fate and change the ciation for all military involvement across the ingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for lib- course of history. United States. To remain as a world leader, erty. The Clerk read the title of the bill. the United States must maintain a well-trained Madam Speaker, the families of those who The text of the bill is as follows: and well-equipped army. As a Representative serve our country on the front lines also de- H.R. 1209 of the Federal Government, we must encour- serve the admiration and appreciation of each age the people of the United States to recog- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- and every citizen. These family members often resentatives of the United States of America in nize the values and principles of our nation watch their loved ones travel to far away lands Congress assembled, which the military encompasses and the sac- in support of a cause and an ideal so much SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. rifices made for our country by individuals and greater than any one individual. Indeed, our This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Medal of military entities. democratic form of government is testament to Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009’’. The Armed Forces has greatly contributed the courage and valor of our Armed Forces. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. to our nation, and it is only right they we dem- The support given to our servicemen and The Congress finds as follows: onstrate our support, appreciation, and grati- women by their loved ones is irreplaceable, as (1) The Medal of Honor, first authorized by tude for their service to our nation. I urge my it is the foundation for the bravery inherent in the Congress in 1861 as the United States colleagues to support this important resolution, Navy’s highest personal decoration, the those who labor steadfastly in the defense of Army Medal of Honor was authorized by the and I extend a personal thank-you to those in liberty. the Armed Services. I hope that you all know Congress in 1862, and the Air Force Medal of I believe that the brave men and women your worth and to extend that you contribute Honor was authorized by Congress in 1956. who sacrifice for our present freedoms de- (2) The Medal of Honor is presented by the to our country. serve our fullest support. Our nation’s service- President of the United States in the name TEXAS men and women represent the best our coun- of the Congress, to a person who, while a In the Iraq War, Texas has suffered over try has to offer, and they must be treated with member of the United States Armed Forces, 222 resident casualties, second only to Cali- the respect and honor they deserve. As we distinguishes himself or herself conspicu- fornia. As a Representative for the 18th Dis- ously by gallantry and intrepidity at the ask these courageous soldiers, sailors, air- risk of his or her life above and beyond the trict of Texas, H. Res. 377 is very close to the men, and marines—and their families—to do hearts of those I represent. Many Texans hold call of duty while engaged in action against more and more, it’s only right we continue an enemy of the United States; while en- a passion for protecting the integrity and doing all we can for them. Recognizing Armed gaged in military operations involving con- strength of their nation, and as the recruitment Forces Day in 2009 is just one small reminder flict with an opposing foreign force; or while numbers show, they often exercise their pas- of the superior job our troops perform for serving with friendly foreign forces engaged sion by joining the military. In past studies, America at home and abroad, and it is my in an armed conflict against an opposing Texas has been the number one state for mili- hope that we will continue to do all we can armed force in which the United States is tary recruitment; therefore, recognition of mili- not a belligerent party. and more for the members of our Armed (3) The deed performed must have been one tary involvement is an important issue in Forces. Texas and in Houston. of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so con- Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues Texas is home to more than 194,965 mili- spicuous as to clearly distinguish the indi- to support this bill. vidual above his or her comrades and must tary personnel including a number of Army, Mr. MASSA. I yield back the balance have involved risk of life. Navy and Marine, Air Force, and Coast Guard of my time. (4) Incontestable proof of the performance bases. H. Res. 377 will encourage the citizens of the service will be exacted and each rec- of Texas to reach out to those who are in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ommendation for the award of this decora- volved with the military and extend their grati- question is on the motion offered by tion will be considered on the standard of ex- tude for all that they do for our nation. Be- the gentleman from New York (Mr. traordinary merit. cause there is a large population of military MASSA) that the House suspend the (5) Fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor have personnel in Texas, it is critical that we show rules and agree to the resolution, H. been awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces. them the support of their nation and their state Res. 377. The question was taken. (6) The Congressional Medal of Honor Soci- for all the positive contributions they have ety is a not-for-profit organization chartered brought. I firmly believe that H. Con. Res. 84 The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the by the 85th Congress under a legislative act is a positive step for the recognition, acknowl- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being signed into law by President Dwight D. Ei- edgement, and gratitude that should be given in the affirmative, the ayes have it. senhower on August 14, 1958, and membership to our military personnel, and I hope to see Mr. FLEMING. Madam Speaker, on in the Society is restricted to recipients of the National Military Appreciation Month be- that I demand the yeas and nays. the Medal of Honor. come a special time for the state of Texas to The yeas and nays were ordered. (7) Society members are joined together The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for the purpose of forming and maintaining recognize the national contributions. friendship among all living recipients of the Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Medal of Honor and remembrance of post- I rise today to express my strongest support Chair’s prior announcement, further humous and deceased recipients.; they are for H. Res. 377, a bill that recognizes Armed proceedings on this motion will be dedicated to the protection and preservation Forces Day and commends the exemplary postponed. of the dignity, honor and name of the Medal

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of Honor; service to others; service to Na- Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. PAUL- tion; and the promotion of allegiance to the the mission and goals of the Congressional SEN) each will control 20 minutes. Constitution and the Government of the Medal of Honor Foundation; The Chair recognizes the gentleman United States. (2) be selected by the Secretary, after con- (8) Members of the Society act to foster pa- sultation with the Boards of the Congres- from North Carolina. triotism and to inspire and encourage the sional Medal of Honor Society and Congres- GENERAL LEAVE youth of America to become worthy citizens. sional Medal of Honor Foundation and the Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I ask (9) The Congressional Medal of Honor Commission of Fine Arts; and unanimous consent that all Members Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organi- (3) be reviewed by the Citizens Coin Advi- may have 5 legislative days within zation founded by the Society in 1999, is dedi- sory Committee. cated to— which to revise and extend their re- SEC. 5. ISSUANCE. marks on this legislation and to insert (A) perpetuating the Medal of Honor’s leg- (a) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under acy through outreach and collaborative ef- this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and extraneous material thereon. forts; proof qualities. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there (B) raising funds for initiatives that pro- (b) MINT FACILITY.—For each of the 2 de- objection to the request of the gen- mote what the Medal of Honor represents, nomination of coins minted under this Act, tleman from North Carolina? operation of the Congressional Medal of at least 1 facility of the United States Mint There was no objection. Honor Society headquarters, and the public shall be used to strike proof quality coins, Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I yield outreach activities of the Medal of Honor So- while at least 1 other such facility shall be ciety’s membership; and used to strike the uncirculated quality coins. myself such time as I may consume. (C) promoting American values and the (c) PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE.—The Secretary of Madam Speaker, I rise in support of qualities of courage, sacrifice and patriotism the Treasury may issue coins minted under H.R. 1209, the Medal of Honor Com- through increased awareness, education, this Act only during the 1-year period begin- memorative Coin Act of 2009. The scholarships, behavior and example. ning on January 1, 2011. Medal of Honor was first authorized by (10) Through its educational and outreach SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. Congress in 1861 as the U.S. Navy’s programs, the Congressional Medal of Honor (a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under highest personal decoration, and other Foundation promotes heroism, selflessness this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a and distinguished citizenship among Amer- branches of the military followed suit price equal to the sum of— with their own Medals of Honor. ican youth and brings public awareness to (1) the face value of the coins; the actions of ordinary Americans who have (2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon made and are making a profound difference with respect to such coins; and a member of the Armed Forces that in preserving our freedoms. (3) the cost of designing and issuing the conspicuously distinguishes him or SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of herself at the risk of his or her own life (a) DENOMINATIONS.—In recognition and machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, above and beyond the call of duty while celebration of the founding of the Medal of and shipping). Honor in 1861, and notwithstanding any defending this country against an (b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall enemy force. other provision of law, the Secretary of the make bulk sales of the coins issued under Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as this Act at a reasonable discount. Fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue the (c) PREPAID ORDERS.— have been awarded to members of the following coins: (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ac- United States Armed Forces, and I (1) $5 GOLD COINS.—Not more than 100,000 $5 cept prepaid orders for the coins minted commend the bill’s sponsor, Represent- gold coins, which shall— under this Act before the issuance of such ative CHRIS CARNEY of Pennsylvania, (A) weigh 8.359 grams; coins. for honoring some of America’s bravest (B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and (2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to (C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent soldiers and most outstanding citizens prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be by introduction of this bill. alloy. at a reasonable discount. (2) $1 SILVER COINS.—Not more than 500,000 SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. Madam Speaker, I submit the following cor- $1 coins , which shall— (a) IN GENERAL.—All sales of coins minted respondence: (A) weigh 26.73 grams; under this Act shall include a surcharge as (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, follows: (C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, (1) A surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 copper. Washington, DC, May 11, 2009. coin. (b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted Hon. BARNEY FRANK, under this Act shall be legal tender, as pro- (2) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 Chairman, Financial Services Committee, vided in section 5103 of title 31, United States coin. Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, Code. (b) DISTRIBUTION.—Subject to section DC. (c) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all sur- DEAR BARNEY: I am writing regarding H.R. sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United charges received by the Secretary from the 1209, the ‘‘Medal of Honor Commemorative States Code, all coins minted under this Act sale of coins issued under this Act shall be Coin Act of 2009.’’ shall be considered to be numismatic items. promptly paid by the Secretary to the Con- As you know, the Committee on Ways and gressional Medal of Honor Foundation to SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. Means maintains jurisdiction over bills that help finance the educational, scholarship and (a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.— raise revenue. H.R. 1209 contains a provision outreach programs of the Foundation. (1) IN GENERAL.—The design of the coins that establishes a surcharge for the sale of UDITS.—The Congressional Medal of minted under this Act shall be emblematic (c) A commemorative coins that are minted under Honor Foundation shall be subject to the of the traditions, legacy, and heritage of the the bill, and thus falls within the jurisdic- audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of Medal of Honor, and the distinguished serv- tion of the Committee on Ways and Means. title 31, United States Code, with regard to ice of its recipients in the Nation’s history. However, as part of our ongoing under- the amounts received under subsection (b). (2) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On standing regarding commemorative coin IMITATION.—Notwithstanding sub- each coin minted under this Act, there shall (d) L bills and in order to expedite this bill for section (a), no surcharge may be included be— Floor consideration, the Committee will with respect to the issuance under this Act (A) a designation of the value of the coin; forgo action. This is being done with the un- of any coin during a calendar year if, as of (B) an inscription of the year ‘‘2011’’; and derstanding that it does not in any way prej- the time of such issuance, the issuance of (C) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, udice the Committee with respect to the ap- such coin would result in the number of com- ‘‘In God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of Amer- pointment of conferees or its jurisdictional memorative coin programs issued during ica’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. prerogatives on this bill or similar legisla- such year to exceed the annual 2 commemo- (b) SELECTION.—The design for the coins tion in the future. minted under this Act shall— rative coin program issuance limitation I would appreciate your response to this (1) contain motifs that represent the 3 under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United letter, confirming this understanding with Medal of Honor designs (Army, Navy, and States Code (as in effect on the date of the respect to H.R. 1209, and would ask that a Air Force) and specifically honor the Medal enactment of this Act). The Secretary may copy of our exchange of letters on this mat- issue guidance to carry out this subsection. of Honor recipients of both today and yester- ter be included in the RECORD. day, such designs to be consistent with the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Sincerely, traditions and heritage of the United States ant to the rule, the gentleman from CHARLES B. RANGEL, Armed Services, the mission and goals of the North Carolina (Mr. WATT) and the Chairman.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:25 Aug 29, 2011 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H13MY9.001 H13MY9 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 12382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 9 May 13, 2009 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, some individuals. And those are good, erans, when one of the Medal of Honor COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, correct figures. Extraordinarily, 19 peo- recipients walks into a room wearing Washington, DC, May 12, 2009. ple have received two Medals of Honor. that very unique insignia, everyone Hon. CHARLES B. RANGEL, Madam Speaker, the Medal of Honor goes silent. I will say, at least from my Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Foundation, which this legislation will experience and I think from other vet- DEAR CHARLIE: I am writing in response to help fund, seeks to educate the public erans, we all know where a Medal of your letter regarding H.R. 1209, the ‘‘Medal on the values of courage, the values of Honor recipient is in the room for as of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009,’’ sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, in- long as he is in the room. which was introduced in the House and re- tegrity and commitment. These are Al grew up in our area, went to high ferred to the Committee on Financial Serv- values that are embodied by the med- school, enlisted in the Army, and in ices on February 26, 2009. It is my under- als’ winners and are truly American 1966 volunteered for service in Vietnam standing that this bill will be scheduled for values we can all be proud of. Passage as a rifleman and a platoon radio oper- floor consideration shortly. I wish to confirm our mutual under- of this bill will help fund the founda- ator. In December 1967, his company standing on this bill. As you know, section 7 tion’s activities and encourage others was deployed to the Bong Son area of of the bill establishes a surcharge for the to follow in these brave recipients’ the central highlands. And after a sale of commemorative coins that are mint- footsteps. I urge my colleagues to sup- month of almost daily fighting with ed under the bill. I acknowledge your com- port the legislation. the enemy, his unit was ordered to the mittee’s jurisdictional interest in such sur- I reserve the balance of my time. rear for rest and recuperation; but that charges as revenue matters. However, I ap- Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I am rest was short-lived, because the com- preciate your willingness to forego com- told that Mr. CARNEY, the original pany which relieved his unit was am- mittee action on H.R. 1209 in order to allow the bill to come to the floor expeditiously. I sponsor of this bill, is on his way to the bushed. agree that your decision to forego further ac- floor, so I reserve the balance of my As Al’s platoon mobilized the next tion on this bill will not prejudice the Com- time. morning, he saw three wounded men. mittee on Ways and Means with respect to Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I Not thinking of himself, he dashed its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or yield such time as he may consume to across 50 meters of open ground, similar legislation. I would support your re- the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. KIRK), through a hail of enemy fire, and car- quest for conferees on those provisions with- who is the principal Republican spon- ried them one by one to safety. When in your jurisdiction should this bill be the sor of this bill. his company was forced to withdraw, it subject of a House-Senate conference. I will include this exchange of letters in Before doing that, however, I want to was Al who remained to aid his com- the Congressional Record when this bill is note that Mr. KIRK was also a principal rades rather than abandoning them. considered by the House. Thank you again sponsor of a commemorative coin hon- For 2 hours, he defended their position for your assistance. oring disabled American veterans that against an advancing enemy. BARNEY FRANK, will help fund a memorial to them that Following this heroic action, he lo- Chairman. is scheduled to be built between the cated the counterattacking friendly I reserve the balance of my time. Rayburn and the Ford buildings. This company to assist the attack and to Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I Chamber owes him a round of apprecia- evacuate the three casualties. He suc- rise today in strong support of H.R. tion for all of his hard work on those cessfully completed his tour in Viet- 1209, the Medal of Honor Commemora- important issues. nam and was sent to Fort Hood, Texas, tive Coin Act of 2009, introduced by the Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I thank where he was discharged from the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. the chairman and thank the ranking Army in 1969. A year later, just before CARNEY) as well as my colleague, the member for this opportunity to speak he was to be married, he learned that gentleman from Illinois (Mr. KIRK). in praise of CHRIS CARNEY. It is no acci- for these actions he would receive the This bill would authorize the minting dent that CHRIS and I work on a num- Medal of Honor, and on May 14, 1970, and issuance of up to 500,000 silver $1 ber of pieces of legislation. The bond President Nixon presented it to him. coins and up to 1,000 gold $5 coins at no between us, forged in the United States We also commend men like Sammy cost to the taxpayer. These coins will Navy, is stronger than any partisan Davis of Flat Rock, Illinois. On Novem- help raise up to $8.5 million that can be bond, and he has become a real hero to ber 18, 1967, while serving as a can- used to help the Congressional Medal of me in building these bipartisan efforts noneer at a remote fire support base Honor Foundation finance its edu- to commemorate our men and women just west of Cai Lay, Vietnam, he came cational, scholarship, and outreach in uniform. under heavy mortar attack. Sergeant programs. We put forward H.R. 1209, the Medal Davis single-handedly fired his how- Madam Speaker, the Medal of Honor of Honor Commemorative Coin Act, itzer several times at the enemy. Un- was created during the Civil War to and it is bipartisan legislation. Under daunted by an enemy mortar blast honor individual acts of extreme brav- the rules of the House, it had to get which landed 20 meters from his posi- ery and replaced a series of other U.S. over 290 cosponsors. We think it will tion wounding him, he continued to military medals that had been awarded help the Foundation raise over $5 mil- fight. Disregarding his extensive inju- all the way back to General George lion for their benefit. ries and his inability to swim, Sergeant Washington during the Revolutionary As everyone knows, the Medal of Davis used an air mattress to rescue War. The medal is often known as the Honor is the Nation’s highest award for three wounded comrades trapped on Congressional Medal of Honor because valor in action against an enemy force, the other side of the river with the it is awarded often by the President in and it symbolizes how uniformed Vietcong. Upon reaching the wounded the name of Congress. It is our Na- Americans have gone above and beyond men, he stood and fired into the dense tion’s highest military medal. the call of duty in defense of our Na- vegetation to prevent the enemy from Madam Speaker, recounting the acts tion. advancing. that have earned the Medal of Honor is Today I am wearing a Navy Com- You may slightly recognize Sergeant a window into the acts of courage that mendation Medal, which in my view is Davis’ story because it was the model strike awe in all Americans: hand-to- about 17 ranks below what is given in for the iconic movie ‘‘Forrest Gump,’’ hand combat, climbing the walls of a the Medal of Honor. There have been which was largely based on his experi- fort into enemy fire, leaping onto a 3,400 medals awarded to date, but we ence. Footage from the Medal of Honor grenade to save the lives of comrades. are focusing our effort on the 97 living presentation to Sergeant Davis was ac- Each recipient is a hero to whom we recipients who are among us. tually used in the movie, with Tom owe our freedom. They are people like Al Lynch of Hanks’ head superimposed on the body Since the first medals were awarded, Gurnee, Illinois, a man who serves on of Sammy Davis. more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have my Veterans Advisory Board and who I On July 11, 1969, Captain—then First been awarded to a total of 3,400-and- know and respect. Like many of us vet- Lieutenant—Hal Fritz from Peoria,

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Al- sacrifice, and patriotism. umn near Quan Loi in Vietnam. most every morning I think about the Some of the examples of the Congres- After realizing his platoon was com- men and women I served with in Af- sional Medal of Honor Foundation ac- pletely surrounded, he ran from vehicle ghanistan when I left there in January. tivities include working with the staff to vehicle in order to reposition his This legislation helps us recognize of the Smithsonian National Museum men, assist the wounded, and provide the true heroes among that cadre. I of American History to establish a encouragement. When the enemy at- think we will have some more heroes dedicated Medal of Honor exhibit as tempted to overrun the platoon, Cap- emerge from conflicts in Iraq and Af- part of the larger permanent exhibit tain Fritz manned the machine gun ghanistan that are award winners. But called ‘‘The Price of Freedom.’’ They and inspired his comrades to break the today, we mark the 97 who are living, also established a Medal of Honor assault. Moments later, a second and those 3,400 who all received the scholarship program for outstanding enemy force advanced, and only with a Medal. students enrolled in the Reserve Officer pistol and a bayonet, Captain Fritz led This legislation will help us raise Training Corps programs for the Army, his small group of men in a daring money for the foundation, will help us the Air Force, the Navy, and the Ma- charge that routed the attackers. advance the values that these awardees rines. Collaborating in the production When relief arrived, Captain Fritz embodied, and teach us a very, very of two Medal of Honor documentaries stayed to manage the troops. And when painful but important lesson about how released in 2006; one, ‘‘The Medal of he saw they were not being deployed ef- important this country is, how valu- Honor,’’ produced by PBS, and two, fectively, despite his wounds, refused able it is, and how much it takes to de- ‘‘The Medal,’’ syndicated for television medical attention and organized every- fend her. across the United States. Established thing until his wounded comrades were Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I yield an Above & Beyond Citizen Honors pro- treated and evacuated. as much time as he may consume to gram to recognize ordinary Americans the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. b 1630 who have exhibited in their daily lives CARNEY), the primary sponsor of this the same ideals that the Medal of Maybe the most dramatic story that bill on our side. Honor recipients displayed in combat. we have in Illinois comes on the day of Mr. CARNEY. I thank the gentleman. The President of the United States January 8, 1945. During a battle near I rise, obviously, in support of this joined the Medal of Honor recipients in Kaysersberg, France, Sergeant Russell bill. I do want to thank my good friend the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of Dunham of Jerseyville, Illinois, single- and shipmate, MARK KIRK, for working the Unknowns this year to initiate the handedly assaulted three enemy ma- so hard across the aisle to get this Above & Beyond Citizen Honor cere- chine guns using a white robe made of done. It is always very heartening in monies. mattress cover as camouflage. Ser- this body when we can do the right Finally, the foundation distributed geant Dunham crawled 75 yards under thing, and this truly is the right thing more than 53,000 copies of the book heavy fire, and as he jumped to his feet to do. It’s a commonsense approach ‘‘Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor 10 yards from the gun, a rifle bullet hit that actually recognizes the members Beyond the Call of Duty’’ to public and him, creating a 10-inch gash across his of the Armed Forces who have earned a private school students in every State. back and sending him spinning 15 yards Medal of Honor and provides a chance These efforts deserve our support, down the hill into snow. for the Medal of Honor Foundation to and so do the men and women who In excruciating pain, he got back up fill its coffers and continue to do the have been awarded the Medal of Honor. and renewed a one-man assault. After good work that it always intended to I urge my fellow Members to support kicking aside a German egg grenade, do. this bill to help ensure that the legacy Sergeant Dunham shot and killed the The Medal of Honor was first author- of the men and women whose brave German machine gunner and assistant ized by Congress in 1861 as the United acts earned them the Medal of Honor gunner. Sergeant Dunham then pro- States Navy’s highest personal decora- will be remembered. ceeded 50 yards through a storm of tion. At that time, the Army and Air Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I enemy fire to destroy the second ma- Force also created Medals of Honor to yield back the balance of my time. chine gun by throwing two grenades award their members. Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, it has into the emplacement. Under heavy There have been a total of 3,447 re- just been a great, great pleasure for me fire from both machine guns and gre- cipients of the Medal of Honor. And as to listen to the stories of Mr. KIRK and nades, Dunham again advanced by my good friend, Mr. KIRK, said, only 97 Mr. CARNEY honoring the brave men crawling farther up the hill. At a range are living today. and women who have received Medals of 15 yards, he jumped to his feet and I am proud to represent a district in of Honor. I want to thank them for in- killed the crew of a timbered machine Pennsylvania. And I will have you troducing this bill to provide funding gun emplacement with hand grenades. know that Pennsylvania is second only to the foundation that is doing, obvi- Despite a painful wound, Sergeant to New York State in Medal of Honor ously, a great deal of wonderful work Dunham spearheaded a spectacular at- recipients. in our Nation to honor men and women tack that saved many of his men, and It is my hope that these coins issued who have served in the military and he just passed away a month ago. under this act will serve as a reminder those out in the public who have not The stories of these four Illinois resi- of the importance of this medal and of served in the military. So I commend dents are just a few of the many ex- the acts these brave men and women them. traordinary acts of heroism by soldiers, performed. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Thank you, sailors, and airmen who went beyond The surplus of funds raised from Madam Speaker; I rise before you today in the call of duty in the face of grave these coins will benefit the Congres- order to show my support for H.R. 1209, danger. sional Medal of Honor Foundation, a ‘‘Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of The legislation authored by Con- not-for-profit organization chartered 2009.’’ The coins minted as a result of this gressman CARNEY before us, H.R. 1209, by the 85th Congress under legislation legislation will be in recognition and celebra- is important because it will serve as a signed into law by Dwight Eisenhower tion of the establishment of the Medal of reminder for these brave men and on August 14, 1958. Honor in 1861, America’s highest award for women—still numbering 90 strong—to The Congressional Medal of Honor valor in action against an enemy force which promote the qualities the Medal of Foundation is dedicated to perpet- can be bestowed upon an individual serving in Honor embodies. uating the Medal of Honor’s legacy the Armed Services of the United States, to As the first U.S. Representative to be through outreach and collaborative ef- honor the American military men and women deployed into an imminent danger area forts. It also raises funds for initiatives who have been recipients of the Medal of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:25 Aug 29, 2011 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR09\H13MY9.001 H13MY9 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 12384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 9 May 13, 2009 Honor, and to promote awareness of what the point of order that a quorum is not (10) The 100th Battalion fought at Cassino, Medal of Honor represents and how ordinary present. Italy in January, 1944, and later accom- Americans, through courage, sacrifice, selfless The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- panied the 34th Infantry Division to Anzio, Italy. service and patriotism, can challenge fate and ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair’s prior announcement, further (11) The 442nd Regimental Combat Team change the course of history. arrived in Civitavecchia, Italy on June 7, In these times of war and economic uncer- proceedings on this motion will be 1944, and on June 15 of the following week, tainty I think it is important to honor those who postponed. the 100th Infantry Battalion was formally served America to their greatest capacity. The point of no quorum is considered made an integral part of the 442nd Regi- Moreover, recognition of this great honor will withdrawn. mental Combat Team, and fought for the foster patriotism and inspire and encourage f last 11 months of the war with distinction in the youth of America to become worthy citi- Italy, southern France, and Germany. GOLD MEDAL FOR JAPANESE (12) The battalion was awarded the Presi- zens. AMERICAN ARMY UNITS dential Unit Citation for its actions in battle Only those who performed a deed of per- Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I move on June 26–27, 1944. sonal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous to suspend the rules and pass the bill (13) The 442nd Regimental became the most as to clearly distinguish the individual above (H.R. 347) to grant the Congressional decorated unit in United States military his- his or her comrades and must have involved tory for its size and length of service. Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th (14) The 100th Battalion and the 442nd Reg- risk of life can receive a Medal of Honor. In- Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regi- contestable proof of the performance of the imental Combat Team, received 7 Presi- mental Combat Team, United States dential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 29 service will be exacted and each rec- Army, in recognition of their dedicated Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver ommendation for the award of this decoration service during World War II. Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 22 Legion of Merit will be considered on the standard of extraor- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Medals, 15 Soldier’s Medals, and over 4,000 dinary merit. This award is so prestigious that The text of the bill is as follows: Purple Hearts, among numerous additional fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been H.R. 347 distinctions. (15) The United States remains forever in- awarded to members of the United States Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Armed Forces. resentatives of the United States of America in debted to the bravery, valor, and dedication The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Congress assembled, to country these men faced while fighting a 2-fronted battle of discrimination at home SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Act of 2009 as passed would direct the Sec- and fascism abroad. Congress makes the following findings: retary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 (16) Their commitment and sacrifice dem- (1) On January 19, 1942, 6 weeks after the gold coins and $1 silver coins emblematic of onstrates a highly uncommon and commend- the design selected by the Secretary, after December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Navy, the United States Army able sense of patriotism and honor. consultation with the Boards of the Congres- discharged all Japanese-Americans in the SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. sional Medal of Honor Society and the Con- Reserve Officers Training Corps and changed (a) AWARD AUTHORIZED.—The Speaker of gressional Medal of Honor Foundation, in their draft status to ‘‘4C’’—the status of the House of Representatives and the Presi- honor of the distinguished service of the ‘‘enemy alien’’ which is ineligible for the dent pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on American military men and women who have draft. (2) On January 23, 1942, Japanese-Ameri- behalf of the Congress, of a single gold medal been Medal of Honor recipients. of appropriate design to the 100th Infantry The design for the coins minted under this cans in the military on the mainland were segregated out of their units. Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, collectively, in Act will contain motifs that represent the 3 (3) Further, on May 3, 1942, General John recognition of their dedicated service during Medal of Honor designs (Army, Navy, and Air L. DeWitt issued Civilian Exclusion Order World War II. Force) and specifically honor the Medal of No. 346, ordering all people of Japanese an- (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur- Honor recipients of both today and yesterday, cestry, whether citizens or noncitizens, to poses of the award referred to in subsection such designs that are consistent with the tradi- report to assembly centers, where they (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter tions and heritage of the United States Armed would live until being moved to permanent in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) Services, the mission and goals of the Con- relocation centers. shall strike the gold medal with suitable em- gressional Medal of Honor Society, and the (4) On June 5, 1942, 1,432 predominantly blems, devices, and inscriptions, to be deter- Nisei (second generation Americans of Japa- mission and goals of the Congressional Medal mined by the Secretary. nese ancestry) members of the Hawaii Provi- (c) SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.— of Honor Foundation. sional Infantry Battalion were shipped from (1) IN GENERAL.—Following the award of The coins will only be available for a limited the Hawaiian Islands to Oakland, CA, where the gold medal in honor of the 100th Infantry time. The period for coin issuance will be for the 100th Infantry Battalion was activated Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat the calendar year 2011. The coins minted on June 12, 1942, and then shipped to train at Team, United States Army, under subsection under this Act shall be legal tender, however Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. (a), the gold medal shall be given to the coins minted under this Act shall be issued in (5) The excellent training record of the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be uncirculated and proof qualities. 100th Infantry Battalion and petitions from displayed as appropriate and made available prominent civilian and military personnel for research. The treasury will only be producing no more helped convince President Roosevelt and the than 100,000 $5 gold coins and no more than (2) SENSE.—It is the sense of the Congress War Department to re-open military service that the Smithsonian Institution should 500,000 $1 coins. I think it is wonderful that to Nisei volunteers who were incorporated make the gold medal received under para- the surcharges imposed for the purchase of into the 442nd Regimental Combat Team graph (1) available for display elsewhere, these coins will be distributed to the Congres- after it was activated in February of 1943. particularly at other appropriate locations sional Medal of Honor Foundation to help fi- (6) In that same month, the 100th Infantry associated with the 100th Infantry Battalion nance educational, scholarship, and outreach Battalion was transferred to Camp Shelby, and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, programs of the Foundation. Mississippi, where it continued to train and United States Army. Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I yield even though the battalion was ready to de- SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. ploy shortly thereafter, the battalion was re- Under such regulations as the Secretary back the balance of my time. fused by General Eisenhower, due to con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and cerns over the loyalty and patriotism of the sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal question is on the motion offered by Nisei. struck under section 2, at a price sufficient the gentleman from North Carolina (7) The 442nd Regimental Combat Team to cover the costs of the medals, including (Mr. WATT) that the House suspend the later trained with the 100th Infantry Bat- labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1209. talion at Camp Shelby in May of 1943. overhead expenses. The question was taken. (8) Eventually, the 100th Infantry Bat- SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the talion was deployed to the Mediterranean Medals struck pursuant to this Act are na- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being and entered combat in Italy on September tional medals for purposes of chapter 51 of 26, 1943. title 31, United States Code. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. (9) Due to their bravery and valor, mem- SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I object bers of the Battalion were honored with 6 PROCEEDS OF SALE. to the vote on the ground that a awards of the Distinguished Service Cross in (a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— quorum is not present and make the the first 8 weeks of combat. There is authorized to be charged against the

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