[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 TRIBUTE TO 1ST LT. JOHN VINCENT POWER

  (Mr. BLUTE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
one minute and to revise and extend this remarks and include extraneous 
matter.)
  Mr. BLUTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding 
American who made the supreme sacrifice for his country during World 
War II.
  Fifty years ago today, as a platoon leader attached to the Fourth 
Marine Division during the landing and Battle of Namur Island, 
Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1st Lt. John Vincent Power gave his 
life in an unselfish act of gallantry and valor above and beyond the 
call of duty.
  While attempting to disable an enemy position, Lieutenant Power was 
severely wounded. Despite his wounds he continued the effort, fiercely 
and courageously charging the position until felled by enemy fire.
  For his valiant and brave efforts, Lieutenant Power received the 
Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously.
  Mr. Speaker, this fine American was born and raised in Worcester, MA, 
the seat of my congressional district. He attended the College of the 
Holy Cross and joined the Marine Corps after the attack on Pearl 
Harbor.
  This Saturday, Lieutenant Power's sisters, Mary Chandley and Patricia 
Rose, will gather with friends and comrades at Holy Cross for a 
memorial mass and to present his Medal of Honor and citation to the 
College of the Holy Cross for display so that others may honor his 
loyalty and commitment to the United States of America.
  Mr. Speaker, with great respect and deepest sincerity, I humbly honor 
Lt. John Vincent Power, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, on the 
50th anniversary of his heroic deeds.
  Mr. Speaker, for the record I include a citation commending First 
Lieutenant Power for his actions:

                   Citation for 1st Lt. John V. Power

       For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of 
     his life above and beyond the call of duty as platoon leader 
     attached to the Fourth Marine Division during the landing and 
     the battle of Namur Island, Kwajalien Atoll, Marshall 
     Islands, February 1, 1944. Severely wounded in the stomach 
     while setting a demolition charge on a Japanese pillbox, 
     First Lieutenant Power was steadfast in his determination to 
     remain in action. Protecting his wound with his left hand and 
     firing with his right, he courageously advanced as another 
     hostile position was taken under attack, fiercely charging 
     the opening made by the explosion and emptying his carbine 
     into the pillbox. While attempting to reload and continue the 
     attack, First Lieutenant Power was shot again in the stomach 
     and head and collapsed in the doorway. His exceptional valor, 
     fortitude, and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of 
     withering enemy fire were in keeping with the highest 
     traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly 
     gave his life for his country.

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