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July 30, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7601 intercept a Japanese force of enemy . When the Wasp I am proud to honor the USS Farenholt, and attempting to bombard sank, the Farenholt rescued 143 of her her crew and all of our World War II Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. The survivors. veterans and their families. Farenholt performed admirably, sink- The Fightin’ F fought in the of Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I ing an enemy despite taking Cape Esperance in October 1942, and would also like to thank the gentlelady heavy casualties from three direct hits joined the American force that inter- from . from enemy fire. The brave crew man- cepted and defeated Japanese destroy- At this time, I have no further re- aged to keep their afloat by shift- ers and cruisers. During the fight, the quests for time, and I’m prepared to ing topside weight to the starboard, Farenholt suffered 46 casualties and se- close after my colleague has yielded thereby lifting the holes out of vere damage from three direct hits. De- back. the water. Thanks to the dedication spite this, her crew kept her from sink- I continue to reserve the balance of and ingenuity of her crew, the ing, and she joined in the February 1944 my time. Farenholt lived to fight another day. destroyer raid on the Japanese strong- Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I have In fact, she spent the next 2 years hold at New Guinea where she sank two no additional speakers. crisscrossing the South Pacific, pro- merchant . That raid earned very I yield back the balance of my time. viding cover for , escorting high praises from General Douglas Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I convoys, and rescuing downed pilots. MacArthur. also yield back the balance of my time. Her crew once again proved their I want to thank my colleague, Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The courage on the night of February 17, ELLSWORTH of Indiana, for introducing question is on the motion offered by 1944, when they launched a daring dash this legislation. the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. ELLS- through the St. George Canal in the I urge my colleagues to recognize WORTH) that the House suspend the to attack the Japa- these brave and dedicated men of the rules and agree to the resolution, H. nese stronghold at Rabaul. They man- USS Farenholt by supporting House Res. 1248, as amended. Resolution 1248. The question was taken; and (two- aged to sink two enemy merchant ships Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- thirds being in the affirmative) the in the process, and General Douglas ance of my time. rules were suspended and the resolu- MacArthur wrote that the raids on Ra- Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I tion, as amended, was agreed to. baul were ‘‘splendid in every way and also reserve the balance of my time. The title was amended so as to read: were conceived and accomplished in Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘Resolution recognizing the service of the best Farragut manner.’’ yield as much time as she may con- the USS Farenholt and her crew who The sailors of the USS Farenholt sume to the gentlewoman from Colo- served the with valor were awarded two Crosses, two rado (Mrs. MUSGRAVE). and bravery in the South Pacific dur- Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, eight Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I ing World War II.’’. Letters of Commendation, and 46 Pur- thank my colleagues. It’s truly an A motion to reconsider was laid on ple Hearts for their service and sac- honor to stand here tonight and pay the table. rifice to our country. gratitude to our World War II veterans. f Madam Speaker, I would like to ac- I was very proud to cosponsor this reso- knowledge a constituent of mine, Gene lution honoring the USS Farenholt and HONORING THE SERVICE OF Fithian of Newburgh, Indiana. Last her crew. SHIP VETERANS year, I met with Gene in my office in Radarman 1st Class Kenneth S. Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I Evansville, and he shared stories about Buffington served on the Farenholt move to suspend the rules and agree to the Farenholt and his shipmates. Gene from 1942 to 1945. Kenneth was born and the resolution (H. Res. 1316) honoring put my staff in touch with other men raised in Nebraska, and he lived on his the service of the Navy and Coast who served aboard the Farenholt, and family’s farm until he joined the Guard veterans who served on the this resolution would not have been . After the war, he Landing Ship Tank (LST) amphibious possible without their valuable input. became a plumber, and he has called during World War II, the Thank you, Mr. Fithian. Fort Collins, Colorado his home for the , the , Oper- It is with a deep sense of gratitude last 55 years. He will celebrate his 89th ation Desert Storm, and global oper- and appreciation that we honor the birthday in September. ations through 2002 and recognizing the men of the Farenholt and their loving Kenneth fought 11 aboard the essential role played by LST amphib- spouses, widows, and children. They Farenholt. The destroyer endured 12 ious craft during these conflicts. are part of our ‘‘Greatest Generation,’’ credited engagements from Guadal- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- and I encourage all my colleagues to canal to Okinawa. When at battle sta- tion. join me in honoring their sacrifices. tions, Kenneth helped man the to The text of the resolution is as fol- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- help defend his ship and crew mates lows: ance of my time. and to ensure that the Fightin’ F could H. RES. 1316 engage the enemy on another day. 2015 Whereas the Landing Ship Tank (LST) was b The Farenholt’s accomplishments are Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I the designation for naval vessels many, as my colleagues have men- created during World War II to support am- yield myself as much time as I might tioned, including the repelling of Japa- phibious operations by carrying significant consume. nese air attacks, the bombardment of quantities of , cargo, and landing I rise today in support of House Reso- enemy positions, the supporting of car- troops directly onto an unimproved shore; lution 1248, which recognizes the serv- rier raids, and the performing of rescue Whereas the British evacuation from Dun- ice of the destroyer USS Farenholt and operations as well as that of escort and kirk in 1940 demonstrated to the British Ad- her men who served our great Nation patrol duty. In battle, the crewmen miralty that the Allied Forces needed rel- atively large, ocean-going ships, capable of with bravery in the South Pacific dur- were often stretched to their limits, re- ing World War II. the shore-to-shore delivery of , other maining at battle stations around the vehicles, and troops for amphibious assault The USS Farenholt was commissioned clock, sleeping little but doing their upon the continent of Europe; on April 2, 1942 at the Brooklyn Navy duty. The crew of the Farenholt suf- Whereas at their first meeting at the At- Yard. The destroyer sailed from San fered casualties, but they always lantic Conference in August 1941, President Diego, on July 1, 1942 for the fought courageously and greatly con- Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Pacific. tributed to the success of the oper- Minister agreed with the Also known as the Fightin’ F, she ations in which they took part. Admiralty about the need for improved ships participated in the United States’ first Twice, the Farenholt was badly dam- that could land on and retract off a beach; land offensive of World War II, the Au- Whereas in 3 separate acts, dated February aged by gunfire and by shell fire, but 6, 1942, May 26, 1943, and December 17, 1943, gust 1942 of Guadalcanal. The she survived to celebrate V-J Day, and Congress provided the authority for the con- next month, Farenholt also served as an was decommissioned in April of 1946. struction of LSTs; escort for the USS It is my great privilege to represent Whereas 1,051 LST amphibious craft were Wasp, which was attacked by two Kenneth Buffington and his family, and constructed during World War II;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:46 Jul 31, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00271 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30JY7.151 H30JYPT1 erowe on PROD1PC71 with HOUSE H7602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 30, 2008 Whereas 70 percent of LSTs were built at honor the men who bravely served their I am glad that the United States inland shipyards on the Illinois and Ohio country aboard LSTs; Congress will be going on record in Rivers, mainly by female construction, weld- Whereas the LST 325 has sailed over 9,000 commending these veterans for their ing, and assembly line workers; miles and visited 13 cities since returning to service, and it’s especially nice that Whereas the first LST, commissioned on the United States, and is scheduled to sail up October 27, 1942, was a 328-foot ship with the Mississippi River in August 2008; and this resolution comes up today before unique characteristics of bow doors and a Whereas the Navy decommissioned the last the LST veterans have their national ramp to transport troops, a reduced forward LST, the USS Frederick (LST 1184), at a convention in , D.C. at the draft of fewer than 4 feet for successful ceremony at Naval Station Pearl Harbor on end of August. beaching, 9 knot speed, a flat bottom, and October 5, 2002: Now, therefore, be it I want to express special appreciation equipped with 20-millimeter and 40-milli- Resolved, That the House of Representa- to Armed Services Committee Chair- meter guns on the upper and main decks; tives— man IKE SKELTON and to Ranking Whereas the LST saw action in every the- (1) recognizes the essential role played by Member DUNCAN HUNTER for moving ater of World War II, receiving the second Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) during World most battle stars after Destroyers, and mis- War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, this bill forward in order to honor sion flexibility was its hallmark; Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert these veterans and their service. Whereas the multiple missions performed Storm, and many other military and human- Madam Speaker, this resolution by the LSTs included not only the amphib- itarian operations; would not have happened without a ious landings of troops, vehicles, and other (2) honors the service of the Navy and number of veterans who have remained materiel, but also serving as motor Coast Guard sailors who bravely served their active in preserving the heritage of the boat tenders, battle damage repair ships, air- country aboard the LSTs; LSTs. Peter Leasca from Worcester, craft engine repair ships, mini-aircraft car- (3) acknowledges the debt modern amphib- deserves a lot of the riers, launch craft for fixed reconnais- ious operations owe to the LST sailors and sance aircraft, and medical care; ships in pioneering the multiple missions credit. He has really educated me and a Whereas LSTs led the D-Day evacuation of carried out by amphibious landing craft; and lot of my colleagues about what these 41,035 wounded men back across the English (4) commends the many volunteers of the ships meant to the Navy, what they Channel from the Normandy beaches; USS LST Ship Memorial who have preserved meant to the Allies in World War II Whereas World War II naval historian the LST 325 as a living memorial in honor and what they meant and still mean to described the LST as and remembrance of the ships and veterans the people who served on them. the ‘‘most useful all-around craft invented in their service. I also want to express my gratitude by the Navy’’; Whereas during World War II, Navy and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to Mike and Linda Gunjak, at the Coast Guard sailors manned the LST from ant to the rule, the gentleman from In- United States LST Association, and to the ships’ combat debut in the Solomon Is- diana (Mr. ELLSWORTH) and the gentle- Bob Jornlin, at the USS LST lands in June 1943 until the end of hostilities woman from Virginia (Mrs. DRAKE) Memorial Ship, for all of their help, in August 1945; each will control 20 minutes. support and guidance on this resolu- Whereas LSTs were involved in the inva- The Chair recognizes the gentleman tion. sions of Sicily, , Normandy, and south- from Indiana. A few years ago, in working with ern ; GENERAL LEAVE Whereas LSTs served as an essential ele- Congressman RALPH HALL, I was able ment in the island-hopping campaigns in the Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I to get language in a defense authoriza- Pacific Theater, including the liberation of ask unanimous consent that all Mem- tion bill that allowed the Government the and the capture of Iwo Jima bers have 5 legislative days within of to transfer ownership of the and Okinawa; which to revise and extend their re- USS LST–325 to the USS LST Memo- Whereas the brave sailors serving on the marks on the resolution under consid- rial Ship, Inc., the nonprofit organiza- LSTs survived typhoons and other harsh eration. tion set up by LST veterans to bring weather, attacks by planes and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the LST–325 home and to turn it into enemy submarines, ocean mines, and the objection to the request of the gen- an operational memorial and living dangers and stress of combat; tleman from Indiana? Whereas the Navy’s amphibious forces museum. There was no objection. LST veterans went to Greece; they rolled out tons of equipment and thousands Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I of men onto the beaches at Normandy, refurbished by the sweat of their own France, in June of 1944, leading the way for yield myself such time as I might con- brow the LST–325, and sailed her home. the massive Allied invasion that wrested Eu- sume. Now it’s here in the United States so I rise in support of House Resolution rope from the power of the Nazis; that all Americans can learn about the Whereas the LSTs and the sailors who 1316, which honors the service of the essential role the LSTs played in our manned them continued to provide amphib- Navy and Coast Guard veterans who ious landing and other services for 57 years served on the Landing Ship Tank (LST) history and about the service and sac- following World War II, serving in the Inchon amphibious landing craft. rifices made by their crews. Landing and other operations during the Ko- I want to thank the gentleman from World War II naval historian Samuel rean war, the Vietnam war, the 1974 refugee Eliot Morison described the LST as the Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for evacuations from Vietnam, Operation ‘‘most useful all-around craft invented Angel to provide humanitarian assistance to bringing this important resolution be- fore us. As an original cosponsor of the by the Navy,’’ but a lot of people don’t Bangladesh, Operation Desert Shield, Oper- fully appreciate just how important ation Desert Storm, and Operation Restore measure, I’m eager for its swift pas- Hope in Somalia; sage. the LSTs were to achieving victory in Whereas several thousand surviving Navy At this time, I’d like to yield such World War II, not only during the D- and Coast Guard World War II veterans are time as he may consume to the sponsor day invasion but also throughout the members of the United States LST Associa- of House Resolution 1316, the gen- Pacific theater, including the libera- tion, headquartered in Oregon, Ohio; tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. tion of the Philippines and the capture Whereas members of the United States MCGOVERN). of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. They were LST Association and the USS LST Ship Me- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I reliable and flexible just like their morial, Inc., successfully secured legislation crews, and the image of men and of that allowed for the retransfer of the LST want to thank the gentleman from In- 325 from Greece and volunteered members to diana, who represents the home base of equipment off-loading on the beaches go to Greece in 2000 to restore and refurbish the USS LST Memorial Ship, the LST– of Normandy is burned into the imagi- the LST 325; 325, for yielding me the time. nation of the American people and of Whereas World War II-era LST veterans Madam Speaker, I could not be more all World War II-era veterans. sailed the LST 325 from Greece to the United proud to see this resolution come be- After World War II, the LSTs were States, arriving in Mobile, Alabama, on Jan- fore the House today for consideration. put to great use in the Korean War, in uary 10, 2001; The Navy and Coast Guard sailors and the Vietnam War and in other military Whereas the LST 325 is 1 of only 2 World seamen who served on these LSTs are conflicts, but they were also used to War II-era LSTs to be preserved in the true American heroes. They fought for deliver humanitarian assistance, which United States, and volunteers with the USS LST Ship Memorial have converted the LST this country in some of the most deci- helped to literally save the lives of 325 into an operational museum and memo- sive battles in our history, from the thousands of people and win a lot of rial ship based in Evansville, Indiana, to pre- 1940s to the early 1990s, and they de- hearts and minds around the world for serve the historic legacy of these ships and serve to be recognized. the United States. Beginning in World

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:36 Jul 31, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00272 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30JY7.270 H30JYPT1 erowe on PROD1PC71 with HOUSE July 30, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7603 War II, when the LSTs evacuated over day, July 30 on a resolution he authored with depart Pearl Harbor 12 March. For the next 41,000 wounded men back across the input from naval veterans to honor all who month she steamed through the Pacific, from Normandy, to served aboard amphibious landing craft in stopping at Eniwetok, Guam, and Saipan be- Operation Sea Angel in Bangladesh, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Operation fore proceeding to Okinawa. American forces Desert Storm through 2002. were already engaged in the fierce struggle the LSTs have also been a symbol of McGovern predicts the bill, House Resolu- to wrestle Okinawa from enemy control hope to those in grave need or peril. tion 1316, will pass and be sent to the Senate when LST–824 departed Saipan 12 April. Five On Easter Sunday morning in 1945, and the President for confirmation. days later she arrived off Wan and Peter Leasca was aboard LST–824, car- McGovern said veterans, like Leasca, commenced discharging troops and equip- rying men and armored vehicles onto Rouse and Puliafico, ‘‘who served on these ment on the embattled island. The landing the heavily defended beaches of Oki- LSTs are true American heroes.’’ ship returned to Saipan 27 April for rein- nawa, just 340 miles from the Japanese ‘‘They fought for this country in some of forcement troops and cargo, and again mainland. He was a 20-year-old naval the most decisive battles in our history. And steamed for Okinawa. For the remainder of they deserve to be recognized,’’ he said. World War II, she shuttled supplies between medical corpsman. He witnessed the McGovern added the vote was scheduled for Okinawa and the Philippines in preparation fierce fighting from the Japanese hold- this month so it would precede the LST vet- for a possible invasion of . After the ing the island. He saw a kamikaze pilot erans’ annual convention in Washington, Japanese surrender, LST–824 operated with slam his plane into the USS D.C., in August. occupation forces in the Far East until sail- New Mexico, killing 30 sailors and set- He credited Leasca for ‘‘really educating ing for the United States in November. Ar- ting the ship ablaze. me’’ and congressional colleagues about the riving Portland, Oregon on 5 December, she Now at the age of 83, this very special contributions and sacrifices made by those decommissioned there 15 May 1946 and joined World War II veteran and his fellow who served aboard amphibious vehicles. U.S. the Pacific Reserve Fleet. While berthed Rep. William Delahunt is also one of the res- LST veterans across the country are with the Columbia River Group, LST–824 was olution’s sponsors. named USS Henry County (LST–824) on 1 being recognized by a grateful Congress Decades after the war’s end, Leasca fought July 1955. for their service and for the essential a successful rearguard action to honor his role the LSTs played so long ago. Henry County recommissioned 5 September martial colleagues and return to the U.S. the 1959 with R. L. Dodd in com- I thank them for their service. I 64-year-old LST–325 from Greece, where it mand. After refresher training, L8T–824 de- thank them for their sacrifice. I thank served the Greek navy for 20 years. parted the West Coast 19 March 1960 for the them for keeping this history alive. For years he’s been one of the most active Far East, arriving 2 weeks later. May God bless them all. members and former president of the Am- During the next 4 months she transported I would again like to thank my col- phibious Veterans of Massachusetts. supplies, performed training exercises with Leasca said the 328–foot-long LSTs lacked league from Indiana (Mr. ELLSWORTH) U.S. , and engaged in joint oper- modern amenities but inspired loyalty from ations with Korean forces before returning for his generosity in yielding me this the crews of about 120 men who served time, for his leadership in this Con- to Long Beach 19 August. Following 20 aboard them. months of operations along the West Coast, gress and for his friendship. Waxing nostalgically, he recalled living on Henry County sailed for the mid-Pacific in [From the MetroWest Daily News, July 28, his LST as it wove the arduous voyage April, 1962 then performed transport and am- 2008] through the , into - phibious duties out of Hawaii. In September infested waters and on to Hawaii. NAVY VETERANS TRIBUTE BILL LANDS IN she was assigned to Task Force 8 for the nu- ‘‘We went up and down, rocked left and CONGRESS clear tests in ‘‘Operation Dominic.’’ Since right. Sometimes it got pretty rough,’’ (By Chris Bergeron) the tests were considered vital to the na- Leasca remembered. ‘‘It was a long voyage On Easter Sunday morning, 1945, Peter tion’s security, the Navy demonstrated her like an ocean . I saw porpoises and ability once again to keep pace with the ad- Leasca rode aboard a Landing Ship, Tank or sights I’d never seen before.’’ LST carrying men and armored vehicles onto vances of technology developed to maintain He pointed out the World War II naval his- peace through strength. From December, the heavily defended beaches of Okinawa torian Samuel Eliot Morrison described just 340 miles from the Japanese mainland. 1962 through December, 1964 Henry County LSTs as ‘‘the most useful all-around craft in- performed amphibious training operations Throughout that day, the then–20–year-old vented by the Navy.’’ naval medical corpsman witnessed ‘‘fierce off the California coast. Decommissioned As time passes and veterans of amphibious (date unknown), the ship was struck from fighting’’ from Japanese defenders and a Ka- craft fade away, Leasca ‘‘wants to do every- mikaze slamming into the battleship USS the 11 April 1975. Sub- thing I can for the ungainly ships and the sequently transferred to Malaysia and re- New Mexico, killing 30 sailors and setting it men who sailed them into combat. ablaze. named Sri Banggi (A 1501), her final fate is ‘‘I want to do something for all the vets of unknown. Four-and-a-half months later, Japan sur- America,’’ he said. ‘‘And I want to give rec- rendered and a year after that Leasca re- ognition to a glamorous ship. Too often, his- LST–824 received one battle star for World turned home, attended college, married and torians don’t mention the LSTs. So we’ve War II service and four battle stars for Viet- raised four children while working as a got to toot our own horn to get recognition.’’ nam service. stockbroker. For more information about the Amphib- If all goes as planned, the 83–year-old vet- ious Veterans of Massachusetts, visit eran from Worcester and his shrinking www.amphibvetsofma.org. USS LST–325 ‘‘Band of Brothers’’ who served on amphib- To read the text of House Resolution 1316 ious vessels will be thanked by the U.S. gov- CRETE TO USA (2000–2001)—ORIGINAL SAILING and to check on its status, go to the Library CREW ernment for their service during World War Congress Web site, http://thomas.loc.gov, and II. type in H. Res. 1316 in the search engine. James Bartlett, Marble Falls, TX; John Recognition has been a long time coming. Calvin, Dunnellon, FL; Jackson R. Carter, Local World War II veterans, like Howard USS HENRY COUNTY (LST–824) Palos Verdes, CA; Donald Chapman, E. Mo- Rouse and Rosario George Puliafico, who line, IL; James Edwards, Canton, TX; Corbin served aboard LSTs or similar craft, are The USS Henry County (LST–824) was an LST–542–class tank landing ship built for the Fowkes, New Bethlehem, PA; William grateful for the belated recognition but hope ‘‘Rocky’’ Hill, Surprise, AZ; Norval Jones, the honors extend to those in all branches United States Navy during World War II. Named for counties in Alabama, Georgia, Il- Auburn Hill, MI; Capt. Robert Jornlin, who lost their lives defending their country. Earlville, IL; Donald K. Lockas, Marseilles, ‘‘LSTs and ships like them were the keys linois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Ten- IL; Gary Lyon, Roseville, MN; Joseph to victory. But a lot of guys lost their lives,’’ nessee, and Virginia, she was the only U.S. Milakovich, Wauwatosa, WI; Ronald. said Rouse, a Framingham resident who re- Naval vessel to bear the name. Maranto, Metairie, LA; and James F. tired after 40 years in broadcasting. ‘‘I think Originally laid down as LST–824 by the McCandrew, Sebastian, FL. what they did shortened the war. I think Missouri Valley & Iron Company of they should be recognized.’’ Evansville, Indiana on 28 September 1944; Richard Meyer, Lincoln, NE; Don Molzahn, With an estimated 1,025 World War II vet- launched 8 November; sponsored by Mrs. Sr., La Crosse, WI; Hichael Nedeff, Huber erans dying every day, according to the De- Harry W. Groot; and commissioned 30 No- Heights, OH; Bill Nickerson, Margate, FL; partment of Veterans Affairs, Leasca is get- vember with Lieutenant Jesse D. Jones in Dominick Perruso, Easton, PA; Joe Sadler, ting closer to winning his last battle to earn command. After shakedown off , Ketchikan, AK; Harold Slemmons, Lone Oak, recognition for the men who served aboard LST–824 departed 4 January 1945 TX; Paul L. Stimpson, Lock Haven, PA; Ed- amphibious landing craft. for , arriving there on the 24th. ward Strobel, Decatur, IL; Dewey L. Taylor, ‘‘Guys like us are a vanishing group,’’ said She embarked 107 ‘‘bluejackets,’’ then sailed W. Palm Beach, FL; Bruce Voges, Oakwood, Leasca. ‘‘We’re in our twilight years.’’ for Pearl Harbor 26 January. During Feb- IL; Albert J. White, Roswell, NM; Lauren On the floor of the U.S. Congress, Rep. ruary she performed training exercises out of Whiting, Barker, NY; and Bailey M. Wrinkle, James McGovern will call for a vote Wednes- Hawaii, then loaded troops and equipment to McKenzie, TN.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:22 Jul 31, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00273 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30JY7.154 H30JYPT1 erowe on PROD1PC71 with HOUSE H7604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 30, 2008 OVERSEAS SUPPORT CREW mines and enemy submarine attacks. tion. These brave men, proud of the The following crewmembers went overseas These remarkable vessels and their service and the craft they served on, at their own expense to participate in pre- sailors earned the second most battle secured legislation for the refurbish- paring LST 325 for its voyage home. They ac- stars after destroyers. ment of LST 325 and for the ship’s re- tively participated in Crete and/or in Gibral- During the Korean war, LSTs landed transfer to the United States from tar; some sailed on the ship from Crete to Gi- braltar. at Inchon. In the Vietnam war, they Greece, where it had been since the Ernest Andrus, Art Cook, Glenn Gregg, Lee participated in the 1974 refugee evacu- early 1960s. R. Hunter, Raymond Mai, William Reinard, ations. Also, LSTs provided humani- Having set sail from Greece on No- Edward J. Whitman, Thomas Cadigan, Ed- tarian assistance during Operation vember 14, 2000, the LST 325 arrived in ward Dyar, Les K. Harrison, Lee James, Jack Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm Mobile, Alabama, on January 10, 2001— W. Melcher, Gerald Robertson, David Wil- and Operation Restore Hope in Soma- to a great American fanfare I might liams, John Chooljian, William Gollan, Wil- lia. add. In 2003, during a 10-day stop in liam Hart, Richard James, John H. Michaud, Evansville, 35,000 people toured the L. Scheiderman, Richard Young, Frank b 2030 LST 325. It was with great civic pride Conway, Richard Gouker, Fred Holp, Jim To honor such valued service, LST Liverca, Ernest Pliscott, George H. White, that Evansville became the official and Roald Zvonik. veterans, members of the LST Associa- home port of the LST 325 on October 3, tion, gained approval, through legisla- USS LST 325 ORIGINAL WORLD WAR II CREW 2005. The LST 325 is now an operational tion, to sail the refurbished LST 325 The following are surviving crewmembers museum and a memorial ship on the from USS LST 325’s original World War II back from Greece to the United States beautiful Evansville riverfront. crew who have been located: to transform the ship into a museum. This effort would not have been pos- Harold Allgaier, Casper, WY; Clester They completed their sail on January sible if not for the efforts of Evans- Brown, Norfolk, VA; Ted Duning, Lewisburg, 10, 2001, in Mobile, Alabama. Now the ville’s Mayor, Jonathan Weinzapfel, TN; Frances Fischer, Delpos, OH; Bill Han- ship is based in Evansville, Indiana, as ley, Lavallette, NJ; Howard Kramer, Jack- and city officials who worked closely the USS LST Ship Memorial. The Navy with Captain Bob Jornlin and Mike son, MI; Richard Martin, York, PA; Ed decommissioned the last active LST, Nekiunas, South Windsor, CT; Don Roy, Whicker with the USS LST 325 Memo- Chanhassen, MN; Harold Westerfield, Sun the USS Frederick, at Naval Station rial. The city and the LST 325 Memo- City, AZ; Stan Barish, Pittsburgh, PA; Land- Pearl Harbor on October 5, 2002. rial have formed a great partnership, er Bumgarner, Maiden, NC; Ellsworth Eas- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- and I’m proud of their efforts. Evans- terly, Litchfield, IL; Ralph Gard, Munster, leagues to support this most worthy ville will proudly host the LST Week IN; Leo Horton, Seneca, SC; Bob Lemieux, resolution. It is impossible to express 2008 on September 24 through Sep- Leominster, MA; C.J. Mitchell,Centralia, IL; how essential these LSTs were during tember 27 of this year, 2008. Walt Niewinski, Lake Grove, NY; and How- World War II and continuing until the ard Russell, Baltimore, MD. Madam Speaker, the Navy decommis- Gerard Belanger, Nashua, NH; Larry early 21st century. These remarkable sioned the last LST, the USS Frederick Cauthen, Rome, GA; Ira Ehrensall, Boca sailors of these ships should be recog- (LST 1184) in October of 2002, but the Raton, FL; Paul Genander, Beachwood, NJ; nized for their dedication, bravery, and heroic service of the LST crews and the Lloyd Jacobs, Brock, MA; Dale MacKay, loyalty to their Navy and their Nation. brilliant record of their craft will not Center Barnstead, NH; Gerry Murphy, Clay, We should applaud them today, and soon be forgotten. NY; Ernie Ninness, Holmes Beach, FL; Dick every day. I urge my colleagues to support Scacchetti, Sarasota, FL; Al Binkowski, I want to thank my colleague from Plainville, CT; Chester Conway, Hammond, House Resolution 1316. Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for in- IN; Norm Ferguson, Norfolk, VA; Jack Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Green, Avalon, CA; Emil Kolar, Springfield, troducing this legislation. ance of my time. IL; Don Martin, Fargo, ND; Steve Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I Nedoroscki, Milbury, MA; John Roberts, ance of my time. yield back the balance of my time. Faribault, MN; and Al Smith, Burleigh, NJ. Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, I Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may con- yield back the balance of my time. yield myself as much time as I might sume. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The consume. First I’d like to thank the gentlelady question is on the motion offered by I rise today in support of House Reso- from Virginia for her leadership on this the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. ELLS- lution 1316, which not only honors the special legislation. I would also like to WORTH) that the House suspend the service of the Navy and Coast Guard thank the gentleman from Massachu- rules and agree to the resolution, H. veterans who for 60 years served on the setts for introducing this House Reso- Res. 1316. LST amphibious landing craft from lution honoring the Landing Ship The question was taken. World War II onward, but it also recog- Tank, LST, not only for this resolution The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the nizes the key role played by LST am- and his dedication to our veterans, but opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being phibious craft. also for his dedicated service in bring- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. During World War II, the LST met ing LST 325 back to the United States Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, the urgent requirement of the Allied from Greece, which ended up landing in on that I demand the yeas and nays. Forces for a new vessel, a vessel that my hometown. The yeas and nays were ordered. was capable of the shore-to-shore deliv- The LST, Madam Speaker, has a rich The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ery of vehicles and troops while con- and shared history with my hometown ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the ducting an amphibious assault upon of Evansville, Indiana. During World Chair’s prior announcement, further the enemy. Between 1942 and 1943, War II, a 45-acre shipyard along the proceedings on this motion will be three separate acts of Congress author- Evansville riverfront produced LSTs. postponed. ized the construction of these LSTs, The peak years of production saw a f and over 1,000 LSTs were built during workforce of over 19,000 workers, and World War II. they completed two LSTs per week. WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND These landing craft saw action in The Evansville Shipyard was the larg- CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACT every theater of World War II. LSTs est inland producer of the LST in the Mr. MATHESON. Madam Speaker, I played an essential role during the D- United States. And when all was said move to suspend the rules and pass the day campaign of June 1944. Not only and done, 167 LSTs and 35 other vessels bill (H.R. 3957) to increase research, de- were they the first line of troop trans- were built and then sent down the Ohio velopment, education, and technology ports onto the beaches, but they com- River and then out to sea. transfer activities related to water use pleted an evacuation of 41,035 wounded Madam Speaker, I would like to efficiency and conservation tech- men back across the English Channel. briefly recount the heroic and inspiring nologies and practices at the Environ- LSTs landed on the beaches of places story of the LST 325. The utility and mental Protection Agency, as amend- like Sicily, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, reliability of LSTs and the strong bond ed. Okinawa, and countless others. They developed by their crews has fostered a The Clerk read the title of the bill. survived kamikaze attacks, ocean vibrant and active veterans’ associa- The text of the bill is as follows:

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