S6508 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 19, 1996 10. Previous CBO estimate: None. soldiers were awarded the second-high- Betty Meiers and Sebastian ‘‘Dash’’ 11. Estimate prepared by: Federal Cost Es- est honor—the Distinguished Service Daschle were married on a mild winter timate: Kent Christensen, Victoria Fraider, Cross. I was surprised, however, to day in Roscoe SD. Two days later, they Raymond Hall, and Amy Plapp prepared the learn that the study found no evidence were hit by the worst blizzard of the estimates affecting the Department of De- fense; they can be reached at 226–2840. Kathy that any African-American soldier in year. Together, the Daschles weathered Gramp (226–2860) prepared the estimate for World War II was ever nominated for the storm and have continued to stand the Naval Petroleum Reserve. Deborah Reis the Medal of Honor, though command- beside one another through 50 years of (226–2860) prepared the estimate for the Pan- ers, comrades and archival records in- surprises and joys. ama Canal Commission. Wayne Boyington dicate that at least four of the seven The Daschles devotion to one another (226–2820) prepared the estimates for the nominees had been recommended. This began early, with Betty waiting for her costs of changes to civilian retirement pro- same report found evidence that the sweetheart to return home from World grams. segregation of units by race often com- War II so they could be married. Since State and local government impact: Leo Lex and Karen McVey (226–2885). plicated training, exacerbated rela- fabric was scarce at the time, Betty’s Private sector impact: Neil Singer (226– tions between officers and enlisted men wedding dress and the flower girl’s 2900). and their units, and undermined the dress were made out of a parachute 12. Estimate approved by Paul N. Van de morale of these units in both subtle brought home from the war. While the Water, Assistant Director for Budget Analy- and obvious ways. fabric was unconventional, it was plen- sis. The Senate Armed Services Commit- tiful and provided enough material for Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, for those tee and the House Committee on Na- Betty’s dress to have a long, elegant who may be listening, I believe there tional Security approved a provision in train. Betty and Dash took their vows had originally been a vote at 9:15 that the Defense Authorization bill that on the day of Betty’s parents 25th anni- the leader had announced and now that would authorize the Secretary of the versary and, for 30 years, the two cou- the amendment, which was the SIMP- Army to award the Medal of Honor to ples jointly celebrated their happiness. SON amendment, has been disposed of African-American former service mem- Clearly, commitment and lasting love and agreed to with the second-degree bers who have been found by the Sec- run in the family. amendment that was accepted, so as retary of the Army to have distin- Following the wedding, the young far as I know—and the Senator from guished themselves by gallantry above couple moved to Aberdeen, SD, to Idaho may want to add to this—there and beyond the call of duty while serv- make their home. After an unsuccess- will be no vote on this amendment at ing in the U.S. Army during WWII. ful search for a place to live, they had 9:15 tomorrow morning. It is truly unfortunate that only one to install plumbing on the top floor of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of the seven nominees—Vernon J. a house to create a makeshift apart- ator is correct; that vote was vitiated. Baker—is still living. On April 5, 1945, ment. Betty’s father and brother built Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, then First Lieutenant Baker led a pla- the Daschles’ first house in 1948. In we are certainly in agreement that the toon over ‘‘Hill X’’ in Italy. Along the 1952, they built a bigger home on the vote which was ordered has been viti- way, he and his men destroyed six ma- same lot and have happily lived there ated, or has been dealt with. We have chine gun nests, two observer posts and ever since. not yet received final word from the four dugouts while the Germans rained Through the years, Dash worked as a majority leader as to whether or not he bullets down on them. Out of 25 men, 7 bookkeeper for Nelson Auto Electric, wishes to still have an early vote. We Americans survived while 26 Germans and eventually worked his way to be- will know that very shortly. were killed in the action. ‘‘Hill X’’ had come a part-owner of the business. The At this point I suggest the absence of to be taken in order to capture a castle Daschles are proud parents of four a quorum. that guarded the town of Montignoso boys—including my friend and col- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The along Highway 1. The route was key to league, the distinguished minority clerk will call the roll. the Allies push north and its capture leader Senator TOM DASCHLE. The The legislative clerk proceeded to helped to hastened the end of WWII. Daschles now delight each day in the call the roll. First Lieutenant Baker received the joy of their grandchildren. Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I Distinguished Service Cross—our Na- For the Daschles, a promise made ask unanimous consent that the order tion’s second highest award—for his ac- was a promise kept. Their dedication for the quorum call be rescinded. tions. And now at long last he will re- to their vows and commitment to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ceive the appropriate recognition—the strong family ties serve as a model for objection, it is so ordered. Medal of Honor the highest honor that families across America. f we can bestow. I congratulate the Daschles on this Mr. Baker, although raised in Wyo- achievement, and wish them continued MORNING BUSINESS ming, moved to St. Maries, ID, in 1987 happiness in their lives together. because he enjoys the State’s hunting f and great outdoor opportunities. I am AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEDAL OF SALUTE TO THE PERFORMING proud of and thankful for the many HONOR NOMINEES ARTS sacrifices that our men and women in Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I uniform have made in the past and con- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, when rise today to pay tribute to seven un- tinue to make around the world. We I think of Iowa, I envision lush, rolling sung heroes of World War II. Although are certainly proud that Mr. Baker now hills; wide, blue skies; and rich, black a half-century in the making, it is resides in the State of Idaho, and that soil. Located in the heartland of Amer- never too late to honor the bravery and he and the other nominees will now ica, Iowa’s bounteous fields and heroism of our men and women in uni- rightfully receive the Congressional streams feed the world. I’m sure most form. I view the nomination of seven Medal of Honor. people across the country and through- African-American World War II heroes f out the world associate my State with for the Medal of Honor with much ad- its exceptional agricultural products miration and pride. This is an honor HONORING THE DASCHLES CELE- and productive farmland. that should have been bestowed many BRATING THEIR 50TH WEDDING But today, I am going to share with decades ago. The award acknowledges a ANNIVERSARY America a different chapter of the Iowa job well done and is absolutely well de- Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is my story. Perhaps one that many already served. distinct pleasure to rise today to honor have read about or seen on the Big A 15-month study conducted by a Sebastian and Elizabeth Daschle, who Screen—and that is, Iowa’s contribu- team of military historians reviewed celebrated their 50th wedding anniver- tions to film making and the perform- the nation’s archives and interviewed sary on January 16, 1996. Their lives ing arts. A handful of our Iowa-born veterans to find out why no black serv- and strong commitment to one another friends have risen to celebrity status ice member received the Medal of serve as an example to the entire Na- on TV, on the silver screen, and on Honor during World War II. Nine black tion. stage. June 19, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6509 To name a few—singer Andy Wil- June 15–23. Building on its charter to DR. BEATRICE BRAUDE AND JUS- liams was born in Wall Lake; the provide affordable and high quality TICE DELAYED BUT NOT ULTI- Everly Brothers, Don and Phil lived in education to those who share a love for MATELY DENIED Shenandoah; Cloris Leachman, who the arts, the Foundation offers per- Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, this played Phyllis on ‘‘The Mary Tyler forming arts workshops, and awards an past Monday, the Washington Post re- Moore Show,’’ hails from Des Moines, annual college scholarship to appli- ported that Justice Department attor- as did Harriett Nelson of the television cants interested in studying acting, neys have reached a settlement with series, ‘‘The Adventures of Ozzie and music, and dance. The first scholarship lawyers representing the estate of Dr. Harriett.’’ Marion Michael Morrison, was awarded in 1987 for $500. Within 8 Beatrice Braude concerning monetary better known as John Wayne, was born years, the award had grown to a $10,000 damages equitably due for the wrongful in Winterset. The famous musician/ national scholarship. During this dismissal of Dr. Braude from her Fed- composer, Glenn Miller came from week’s festival, performing arts in- eral job in 1953 and subsequent black- Clarinda. And who can ever forget the structors and professionals from New listing. The estate will receive $200,000 memorable sounds of the ‘‘Music Man,’’ York, California, and the Midwest will in damages. Family members have an- Meridith Wilson is from Mason City. conduct about 45 professional work- nounced that the funds—which Con- And, last but not least, Mr. President, shops. One of the highlights at the fes- gress must now appropriate—will be internationally-acclaimed opera sing- tival this year includes a tribute to the donated to Hunter College, the institu- er, Simon Estes, was born in 50th anniversary of ‘‘It’s A Wonderful tion from which Dr. Braude received Centerville, IA. Life,’’ featuring a reunion of cast and In addition to the talents of Iowa’s her bachelor’s degree. crew. This settlement stems from the enor- hometown celebrities, my State has Mr. President, I proudly salute mem- mously gratifying decision of U.S. opened its doors to reveal our scenic bers of the Denison community and Court of Federal Claims Judge Roger countryside to Hollywood film makers. their vision for promoting the arts. B. Andewelt on March 7, following a Box office hits filmed in Iowa include, Borne of hard work, countless volun- hearing last November, that the United ‘‘Field of Dreams,’’ ‘‘The Bridges of teer hours, and unparalleled commu- States Information Agency (USIA) had Madison County,’’ and ‘‘Twister.’’ The wrongfully dismissed Dr. Braude and movie ‘‘Bridges’’ was adapted from the nity spirit, The Donna Reed Founda- intentionally concealed the reason for novel written by my fellow Iowan, Rob- tion has achieved a center for cultural her termination. He concluded that ert Waller. If asked, Mr. President, I and performing arts in America’s such actions constituted an equitable would have to concur with a popular heartland. Mr. President, life in Iowa truly is a claim for which compensation is due. scene from the movie ‘‘Field of Dr. Braude’s suit was made possible Dreams,’’ filmed in eastern Iowa near wonderful life. And I’m sure the citi- zens of Denison would be the first to through legislation then-Senator Jav- Dyersville. That scene included the its and I originally introduced in 1979 lines—‘‘Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa.’’ agree. and which Senator D’AMATO and I con- Mr. President, the list of Iowa-born tinued to press. When finally enacted, celebrities includes a hometown girl f it lifted the statute of limitations, ena- who never forgot where she came from. bling the Court to hear Dr. Braude’s The oldest of five children, Donna Belle SALUTE TO KBBG–FM RADIO case and hand down its decision. I Mullenger, attended a one room school Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise know Senator D’AMATO shares my house and helped with the family today to salute an enterprise under- gratification with the settlement an- chores on a western Iowa farm near taken almost two decades ago by two nouncement. Denison. Growing up on a farm, Donna community-oriented entrepreneurs in With Judge Roger B. Andewelt’s deci- cherished the rare Saturday trips to northeast Iowa. Declaring that radio sion and this negotiated settlement, we town, when she would meet friends at for the Black community was an idea have finally seen a measure of justice the Candy Kitchen and catch a movie whose time had come, Jimmie Porter which brings back memories of an old at the Ritz Theater. founded KBBG–FM radio in 1977 with This girl-next-door later became a and awful time. Dr. Braude, a linguist his partner, Warren Nash, Jr., in Wa- household name and Hollywood star. fluent in several languages, was dis- terloo, IA. Incorporated as Afro-Amer- Donna Reed starred in more than 40 missed from her position at the USIA ican Community Broadcasting, Inc., films, including such classics as ‘‘It’s a in 1953 as a result of accusations of dis- KBBG’s charter pledged to fulfill the Wonderful Life,’’ ‘‘Portrait of Dorian loyalty to the United States. The accu- needs, interests and wishes of ethnic Gray,’’ and her Oscar-winning perform- sations were old; 2 years earlier, the ance in ‘‘From Here to Eternity.’’ And minority people in northeast Iowa. State Department’s Loyalty Security for 8 years, Donna Reed entertained KBBG has come a long way since its Board had investigated and unani- families in their living rooms across first equipment testing of 10 watts on mously voted to dismiss them. The America. ‘‘The Donna Reed Show’’ ran July 26, 1978. On its first full day of Board sent a letter to Dr. Braude stat- from 1958 to 1965. broadcasting that August, KBBG ing ‘‘there is no reasonable doubt as to As I stated earlier in one of my reached a 4 to 5 mile radius. Today, the your loyalty to the United States Gov- speeches describing the Iowa Spirit, radio station boasts a 60-mile radius, ernment or as to your security risk to the people of Iowa strive to excel in 10,000 watts, and 11 employees. the Department of State.’’ any and all endeavors, whether it be The largest African American owned Dr. Braude was terminated 1 day education, entertainment or enter- and operated noncommercial edu- after being praised for her work and in- prise. And the community of Denison, cational radio station in my State of formed that she probably would be pro- the county seat of Crawford County, is Iowa, KBBG Radio has provided almost moted. USIA officials told that her no exception. In memory of the Holly- $1.8 million of public service announce- that the termination was due to budg- wood actress who was known to say, ments for nonprofit organizations in etary constraints. Congress had funded ‘‘No matter what I do, I am still a farm the last 8 years. the USIA at a level 27 percent below girl from Denison,’’ the community Mr. President, I proudly commend the President’s request. The Supple- celebrated a 1-day festival in her honor KBBG Radio, its owners and its em- mental Appropriation Act of 1954 (Pub- after her death in 1986. At that time, ployees for providing a valuable service lic Law 83–207) authorized a reduction her Oscar was presented to the city of to the Waterloo and Cedar Falls metro in force commensurate to the budget Denison. One year later, Donna Reed’s area and to northeast Iowa. cut. Fair enough. As Dr. Braude re- hometown community, friends and A model of self-development and marked years later, ‘‘I never felt that I family members formed The Donna community outreach, KBBG continues had a lien on a government job.’’ But Reed Foundation for the Performing to build on its well-served motto, com- what Dr. Braude did not know is that Arts to recognize youth and promote municate to educate. Mr. President, I she was selected for termination be- education. thank and congratulate KBBG for 18 cause of the old—and answered— The Foundation celebrates its 10th years of service and extend my wishes charges against her. And because she annual Donna Reed Festival this week, for continued success in the future. did not know the real reason for her