H8450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 23, 2019 My hometown was founded on Octo- Colonel Morris is the epitome of what anon, in support of the 1st , ber 27, 1869, on just 70 acres of land in the Greatest Generation embodied. He 8th Marine and the 24th Ma- Orange County; and today, Santa Ana worked five jobs to stay in school dur- rine Amphibious Unit. is the second largest city in Orange ing the Depression and graduated from I vividly remember the evenings we County. A&M with a bachelor’s degree in sat on the roof of the Marine barracks It is home to veterans of World War agriculture. with the American flag flying over our II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Working his way through school head. The barrage of small arms gun- and the last few conflicts. didn’t stop him from being an engaged fire and mortar rounds made it very It is also home to the largest His- member of the Aggie community. He clear that we were in harm’s way every panic population, percentagewise, in was senior class president, chaired the day. the country. It is essentially the new committee that set the first require- On this very day 36 years ago, a ter- Ellis Island of the . ments for seniors to earn the famous rorist affiliated with Hezbollah and fi- Congratulations to the city of Santa Aggie Ring, and was a member of the nanced by Iran drove a truck bomb Ana on their 150 years. Congratulations track and field team. into the barracks we called home. to their constituents and to the council He also knew what it meant to fight and to the mayor. 241 American servicemen were killed, for a man’s right to live free. He fought 220 of which were my fellow marines. f in the 38th Infantry of the 2nd Infantry 241 sons, brothers, fathers, and friends IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY BEHIND Division in World War II. He went on to never returned home. 241 came in CLOSED DOORS land on Omaha Beach during the inva- peace, and 241 lives were stolen from us sion of Normandy and, with his unit, he by an act of absolute pure evil. (Mr. WRIGHT asked and was given liberated the first city in France. It was the deadliest day for the Ma- permission to address the House for 1 Colonel Morris married his high rine Corps since the Battle of Iwo minute.) school sweetheart, and they were mar- Mr. WRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, my col- Jima. ried for 77 years. leagues on the other side of the aisle Colonel Morris celebrated his 109th It is by the grace of God that I was seem to think it is appropriate to con- birthday this August. When asked able to come home to my wife, Denise, duct an impeachment inquiry behind about the secret to living a long life, who was expecting our first child. My closed doors, shutting out the Amer- Colonel Morris said, ‘‘Do your best.’’ battalion had shipped out 10 days be- ican people. We could improve from adhering to fore the bombing. They have denied Republican Mem- such sage, simple advice. Mr. Speaker, today is not about me. bers of Congress the right to fully par- Colonel Morris, we thank you for People may not recognize the 241 ticipate in the inquiry process but ex- your service and for leading a life wor- names listed here, but they are the pect them to cast a vote to impeach a thy of example. May you rest in peace names of the 241 who answered the call duly elected President of the United now. God bless you, sir. of duty 36 years ago. States without seeing all the facts. In addition to all that, Democrats de- f Today is about those 241 soldiers, nied us the right to vote on a resolu- sailors, and marines who laid down HONORING THE 36TH ANNIVER- their lives to protect our freedoms, and tion to censure Chairman SCHIFF for SARY OF THE 241 MARINES LOST his deception of Americans day in and today is about every veteran who has IN BEIRUT, nobly worn the uniform of our Armed day out. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under This morning, I joined dozens of my Forces. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- colleagues as we stormed into the SCIF On this somber day, I look out at the uary 3, 2019, the gentleman from Indi- demanding transparency, shedding flag flying above the U.S. Capitol and ana (Mr. PENCE) is recognized for 60 light on this corrupt process. Instead of feel the same reverence I felt standing minutes as the designee of the minor- having a conversation, Chairman below the Stars and Stripes on the roof ity leader. SCHIFF abruptly ended the deposition, of the Beirut barracks in 1983. Though taking the witness with him out of the GENERAL LEAVE I will never know exactly why I was room. Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- spared when so many were not, I under- The Speaker of this House is putting imous consent that all Members may stand that our first duty is to remem- her hatred of the President above what have 5 legislative days in which to re- ber and be faithful. is best for her constituents. She is vise and extend their remarks and in- Mr. Speaker, three of my fellow ma- harming the entire Nation by con- clude extraneous materials on the rines, Representatives GALLAGHER, ducting this inquiry in such a manner. topic of my Special Order. CARBAJAL, and MOULTON, joined me to Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. We The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there offer legislation to remember the faith are better than this; our country is bet- objection to the request of the gen- and loyalty of the 241. ter than this; and the American people tleman from Indiana? Fellow marine, Representative There was no objection. certainly deserve better than this. GALLEGO, joined me to offer legislation They deserve better than an impeach- Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, we are here to provide a sliver of justice for the ment inquiry in a secret room based on today to honor the 241 American heroes Gold Star families who lost their loved assertions of a phantom whistleblower. who made the ultimate sacrifice on ones. Our bill, the Act, passed this very day 36 years ago in Beirut, f both the House and Senate, and for Lebanon. that I am very grateful. TRIBUTE TO COLONEL TOM C. For my family and so many families, ‘‘IKE’’ MORRIS today is deeply emotional. But, Mr. Speaker, there is still work to be done here. Terrorists and those (Mr. ROY asked and was given per- When I enlisted in 1979 as a young who support them financially must be mission to address the House for 1 man, I wanted to serve and be part of held accountable for their terrible ac- minute.) something bigger. That led me to the Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to United States Marine Corps and, like tions. pay tribute to a constituent of the 21st every marine, I took an oath to God, Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues Congressional District of Texas. This country, and to the Corps. for participating in this Special Order man was a hero, veteran, and the old- is not just a slogan or to remember the sacrifice of those who est known graduate of Texas A&M Uni- a creed; it is a way of life that only answered the call of duty to defend our versity, the alma mater of my bride. those who have earned the eagle, globe, freedom in conflicts across the globe. His name was Colonel Tom C. ‘‘Ike’’ and anchor can fully understand. Sem- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman Morris. per fidelis is part of the very fabric of from Indiana (Mr. BAIRD), my fellow Colonel Morris passed away Sunday every marine, past and present. Hoosier and decorated Vietnam vet- in San Antonio at the age of 109 years I served as a first lieutenant in the eran. old, leaving behind a life and legacy all 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. In 1983, my Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the of us can only aspire to someday. battalion was ordered to Beirut, Leb- gentleman for yielding.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:59 Oct 24, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23OC7.116 H23OCPT1 October 23, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8451 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Sergeant Anthony K. Brown from De- colleague in remembering the 36th an- the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. troit niversary of the appalling terrorist at- BERGMAN), my friend, colleague, and Hospital Corpsman 2 Michael H. tack on American troops stationed in fellow marine. Johnson from Detroit Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Michael R. Massman from This horrific attack took the lives of my friend, colleague, and fellow ma- Port Huron 241 U.S. troops and injured countless rine, GREG PENCE, for the honor to Sergeant William H. Pollard from others. This incident marked the high- speak before this body tonight on such Flint est single-day death toll for the United a—you don’t call an occasion like this First Lieutenant William A. Zimmer- States Marine Corps since the Battle of important, but I think we call it rel- man from Grand Haven Iwo Jima. evant. We will never forget. My friend and fellow Hoosier, GREG It is relevant because Marines, for a In the Marines’ Hymn, the third stan- PENCE, was stationed in Beirut just 10 long time, since 1775, have fought to za ends with: ‘‘If the Army and the days before the terrorist attack and defend freedom, and we go to the fight Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes, lost many fellow marines in the bomb- to win, but we also go to the fight to they will find the streets are guarded ing. help others. by United States Marines.’’ Here with us today, seated in the gal- On Sunday, 23 October 1983, you have I would suggest to you that some of lery, are a few of the Gold Star families heard the story told already, how 220 those marines are on duty today. We who lost their loved ones and family marines, 18 sailors, and 3 soldiers lost honor their service, we honor their sac- members on that fateful day. their lives when a terrorist’s truck rifice, and we honor our country by re- Mr. Speaker, freedom truly is not bomb exploded at a barracks compound membering. God bless you all and Sem- free, and I thank them for their sac- in Beirut, Lebanon. per Fidelis. rifice and pay tribute to the brave serv- The same day, 58 of our French Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my icemembers who paid the ultimate sac- brothers in arms lost their lives in an friends, colleagues, and distinguished rifice to defend and protect the United additional attack by Hezbollah. guests in the gallery for their partici- States of America. In what would be the deadliest day pation in my Special Order. Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to for the Marine Corps since the battle of As a Beirut veteran, I am deeply the gentlewoman from West Iwo Jima, seven of the marines and moved by their remarks, and I know (Mrs. MILLER), my friend and col- sailors were Michiganders, including their words will comfort the Gold Star league. Lance Corporal David Bousum of Fife Families across this Nation. Lake, Michigan. Today, on the 36th anniversary of b 1945 I remember that day very vividly. At this horrific attack, and every day, we Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise the time, I was a KC–130 pilot stationed must strive to ensure that all are re- today to speak in honor of those who at Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois, membered, and all are honored. We re- lost their lives in the Beirut terrorist flying the KC–130 refuelers. We used to member their loyalty, their selfless- attacks. fly all around the world, in and out of ness, and their courage. We are hum- The men and women of our Armed the Middle East doing our mission. bled by their tremendous sacrifice. Forces are true American heroes. They Five days after the bombing was the We must hold them closely in our demonstrate bravery, courage, and an annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball for hearts and hometowns. We must live in unmatched sense of duty to us all. our unit and our greater Chicago ma- gratitude for the precious gift they They fight each day to preserve our rines. And that year, we had as our have given to us here today. great Nation and defend us from en- guest of honor then-Major General Al Most of all, we must uphold our emies we can and cannot see. Gray, commander of the 2nd Marine Di- promise to honor our fallen. We must Our veterans have fought for our vision, who a couple years after that remain always faithful. independence and liberty countless became the commandant of the Marine Mr. Speaker, I will always remain times throughout our history. They Corps. faithful. God bless America, and Sem- have fought off tyranny to defend free- The Marines are full of tradition and per Fi. dom around the world. They have de- pageantry. And I will tell you what, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance fended the innocent who cannot defend the only thing we do more than cele- of my time. themselves. They have worked to pre- brate, is grieve. And of the roughly 50 Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, in the morning serve peace for all. Because of them, we years of birthday balls that I have at- of October 22, 1983, a suicide bomber drove are here in this Chamber today. And tended, that one was heavy with grief. a truck full of explosives into a Marine com- because of them, our Star-Spangled We had lost our brothers through a hei- pound in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 U.S. Banner waves proudly above. nous act, and a cowardly act. It took us service members. This was the deadliest at- This is what the valiant men and a while to get over it at that time, but, tack against our U.S. Marines since Iwo Jima. women were doing in Beirut in 1983. in the end, you really never get over it. These Marines were stationed in Beirut to They were part of an important peace- All you do is set your course for the fu- assist with the Palestinian withdrawal during keeping mission when Lebanon was ture fight to make sure that that does the Lebanese civil war—they were protecting facing a violent civil war. not happen again. those who were being persecuted and fought In a single moment, 220 marines, 18 The loss of life will always have an to keep peace in the area. sailors, and 3 soldiers lost their lives, impact on our entire armed services There is a memorial at Camp Lejeune for and 128 Americans were wounded. community and our Nation. Our mis- those who lost their lives that day and it reads, Two hundred and forty-one Ameri- sion, as the Marine Corps, is to be the ‘‘They came in Peace.’’ I do not think I could cans gave their lives that day. This was most ready when the Nation is least say it any better. Our service men and women the largest number of casualties lost in ready, and we will always be that, go overseas to ensure war does not reach our one day since the Tet Offensive in the whether it be in the 1770s or in the shores. They selflessly put aside their fears, Vietnam war. This event is one of the 2070s and beyond. and without hesitation say bravely, ‘‘I will darkest in our history. Today, we honor the fallen, we honor serve, send me.’’ As a wife, a mother, and a grand- their lives, their legacies, and their Some may know that my dear friend, Con- mother, I cannot imagine the pain 241 families. gressman GREG PENCE, was serving that day families have endured since that fate- We will never forget the sacrifices in Beirut. I am thankful that my friend’s life ful day 36 years ago. made by Michigan’s own that day. We was spared on that day. Today, I would like to honor those lost the following warriors, marines, For those who perished that day we will who made the ultimate sacrifice in Bei- and sailors: never forget your ultimate sacrifice to your rut, for their fearless service and for Lance Corporal David Bousum from country. Of those who passed away, eight working toward the more peaceful Fife Lake were from Texas: world that we all want. They will never Lance Corporal Johansen Banks from Leland E. Gann, Matilde Hernandez Jr. and be forgotten. Detroit Timothy R McMahon from Austin; Rodolfo

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Oct 24, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K23OC7.118 H23OCPT1 H8452 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 23, 2019 Hernandez from El Paso; Michael S. Fulton in them. He had received the Bronze remaining enemy within the position. from Ft. Worth; Marcus E. Coleman from Dal- Star and the Purple Heart, among This attack was successful, and the las; Johnnie D. Caesar from El Campo; and other decorations. enemy were driven from the position David W. Brown from Conroe. But Lydean remained curious about with heavy losses. We must never forget this day and those that entry in his diary, and what ‘‘Technician Felt’s prompt, heroic ac- who were murdered because of what the free- seemed to be a confusing note on one tions in voluntarily attacking the doms they believed in so fiercely they were Army form that suggested there might enemy single-handedly were an inspira- willing to put their life on line. be something more, though there was tion to his comrades and reflect the f no official record of it. Now, Lydean, highest traditions of the United States who has all of the timidity of a heat- Army. By command of General Mac- TRIBUTE TO LEON G. FELT seeking missile, wouldn’t give up. She Arthur.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under wrote the National Personnel and Long ago, soldiers coined the term the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Record Center of the National Ar- ‘‘snafu’’ to describe the military bu- uary 3, 2019, the Chair recognizes the chives. The Archives could find no reaucracy. It is an acronym that, gentleman from California (Mr. record of other medals, including the roughly translated, means, ‘‘Situation MCCLINTOCK) for 30 minutes. Silver Star. A fire in 1973, they feared, Normal—All Fouled Up.’’ Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I would have destroyed any record if he Well, in a terrible snafu, the medal rise tonight to tell a remarkable story had. But Lydean persisted. was never given to Technician Felt. He of the unacknowledged patriotism and The archives kept digging, and then was never told of how grateful his heroism of a 23-year-old Army scout, they stumbled upon a curious thing: a country was for the sacrifices he made, who, on December 3, 1944, was im- collection of citations of the most he- for the bravery that saved the soldiers mersed in the horror and peril of some roic deeds of World War II. In it, they in his unit, and for the exemplary her- of the worst of the fighting in the found the citation for Leon G. Felt and oism and leadership that turned the bloody nightmare of the Philippines what he did that December day in 1944. tide of battle. campaign. At Mount Cabunganan, They were right about one thing: he His family arranged to surprise him Technician 5th Class Leon G. Felt he- was never awarded the Silver Star. with this long-overdue presentation roically engaged the enemy. On February 12, 1945, as he lay recov- about 3 weeks ago on October 5. This His family keeps the steel helmet he ering from his wounds in an Army hos- was the Saturday before his 98th birth- wore that day. The back half of that pital, Leon Felt had been awarded the day. They gathered from across the helmet is riddled with shrapnel holes Nation’s second highest honor, the Dis- country. They decorated the house and from the inside out. A grenade ex- tinguished Service Cross, revered more made a cake. ploded beneath him, and the deadly than any other medal, but the Medal of I have never been more honored or shrapnel blew up his left side, blowing Honor itself. But somewhere along the more moved than to have been asked to off his helmet from below with enough way, probably because of a clerical fulfill that long-overdue presentation force to pierce it. error, his service record was never up- that General MacArthur had ordered so Now, Leon never talked much about dated, and word never reached him. long ago. what happened that day. The war Now, here are the words that were On my way to meet this gentle giant, ended, and he came home after months supposed to have been spoken as he re- as his family called him, I received in Army hospitals dealing with his ceived our Nation’s second highest word that Leon Felt had passed away grave injuries. The only thing his fam- military honor: in the early hours of that morning, sur- ily really knew, years later, was a brief ‘‘Technician Fifth Grade Leon G. rounded by his loving family. But they entry in his journal. It said, ‘‘Lieuten- Felt, Serial Number 39902244, Cavalry, were still gathered at the house, in ant Hanna told me he put me in for a United States Army. For extraordinary grief now as well as pride, and so I Silver Star for what I did in the at- heroism against the enemy at Mount made the presentation posthumously tack,’’ but nothing came of it. Cabunganan, Leyte, Philippine Islands, to his widow, an extraordinary woman His wife told me that the Army’s on 3 December 1944. in her own right. final orders to Leon and his comrades ‘‘Advancing through very rugged ter- There is some consolation in this were: go home, get a job, look after rain, his troop encountered the enemy story. As his health began slipping in your families. Well, that is exactly entrenched in a strong position astride the days before he died, his family told what Leon Felt did. He joined the a narrow ridge. The enemy were well him that he had been awarded the Na- Southern Pacific Railroad, ultimately dug in, their rifle pits being concealed tion’s second-highest military honor retiring as a shop foreman. He became with top coverings of brush and grass. and that he was about to receive it at deeply involved in his church. He mar- During an attack by our troops, the ad- his birthday celebration. ried Lois Wade, his wife of 32 years, vance of the right platoon was tempo- Mrs. Felt told me that his face until she died in 1976. He then married rarily diverted by heavy enemy fire, brightened up, and he said, ‘‘So, I real- Nola Pulsipher, who survives him after but upon receiving reinforcing fire ly am your hero.’’ And his wife replied, 42 years of marriage. He raised eight from the left platoon, the intensity of ‘‘That is what I have been telling you children and today has 41 grand- the enemy fire slackened. Seizing this all these years.’’ children, 110 great-grandchildren with opportunity, Technician Felt, a scout The tragedy is that this honor should three more on the way, and seven for his platoon, voluntarily rushed the have followed Leon Felt throughout his great-great-grandchildren. nearest enemy rifle pit, and grasping life, as Shakespeare said, to ‘‘remem- The war never left him. Nola says she the top cover, stripped it off, exposing ber, with advantage, what feats he did would often rescue him from his fre- three occupants whom he killed. Con- that day.’’ He should have been feasted quent nightmares, and all he could say tinuing his advance, he reached and un- and feted, and thanked every day of his through his tears was, ‘‘It’s either kill covered a second pit and killed three life, as this honor spoke of his coura- or be killed.’’ His children only knew more enemy. He then advanced toward geous deeds. that he was in the thick of the war, a third pit but was struck and wounded Instead of feeling guilt, he should that he had come home wounded, and by the fragments from an exploding have felt pride. For every nightmare he that those days in the Philippines still hand grenade. suffered alone, he should have enjoyed haunted him. the gratitude of his fellow citizens. In- In recent years, Leon’s family began b 2000 stead, Technician Leon Felt, a recipi- looking into his service record. Having ‘‘Despite his wound and the warning ent of the Distinguished Service Cross read his journal, his daughter, Lydean, shouts of his comrades, he continued to that he never received, did what he was began searching for what he did that push his attack, and reaching the fox- told, quietly went home, got a job, and day that would have rated a rec- hole, killed its two occupants. Unable looked after his family. ommendation for the Silver Star. They to advance farther because of his His memorial service will be held in had ordered copies of his medals, but wounds, he from his advanced position Dixon, California, tomorrow, and he there was no mention of a Silver Star directed the attack of his platoon upon will be buried with full military honors

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