[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 27 (Friday, March 11, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 TRIBUTE TO DR. ALVIN C. POWELEIT--HONORING A KENTUCKIAN'S HEROISM AND 
                           PROFESSIONAL LIFE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished Kentucky gentleman and a personal friend. Dr. Alvin C. 
Poweleit of Newport, KY, has lived a full life, distinguished by its 
honor, heroism, and dedication to helping those in need.
  Dr. Poweleit's outstanding service began during World War II when as 
a member of Kentucky's Fighting 192d Light G.H.Q. Tank Battalion he 
served as the battalion surgeon. As a member of one of the most valiant 
fighting forces in our Nation's history, Dr. Poweleit experienced the 
horrors of war firsthand. After bravely defending the battalion's 
position in the Philippines the 192d was overrun by the vastly superior 
force and numbers of the enemy.
  Mr. President, Dr. Poweleit survived the Bataan death march which 
followed as well as an extended time in a Japanese prisoner of war 
camp. It was while suffering in this camp, where many prisoners lost 40 
to 60 percent of their total body weight, that Dr. Poweleit made a 
commitment to himself that he would spend his life caring for others. 
This was not a commitment made without conviction.
  He returned to northern Kentucky a lieutenant colonel in the Medical 
Corps and a highly decorated war hero. Dr. Poweleit received the Silver 
Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Philippine Defense Medal, and 
Presidential Unit Citation Medal as a result of his distinguished 
service in defense of America. He was the first medical officer to be 
decorated in World War II. He received the Legion of Merit award for 
heroism he displayed when he dove underneath a partially submerged 
burning tank to rescue two trapped soldiers.
  Mr. President, Dr. Poweleit did not rest on his laurels. Remembering 
the promise he had made half a world away and under horrific 
circumstances, he dedicated his life to serving his community and 
helping others. As long as he has been in practice he has never refused 
treatment to a patient in need. Always available, Dr. Poweleit gladly 
dispensed treatment and compassion whenever it was needed. As he is 
fond of saying, ``There are talkers and there are doers,'' and there is 
no doubt which category he falls under. Being a doctor is both his 
vocation as well as avocation.
  Mr. President, Dr. Poweleit is not in practice any more but he is 
still remembered fondly by all who know him. As the author of many 
books, both about his war experiences and the northern Kentucky medical 
community, his legacy will live on for many years to come. But to the 
generations of Kentucky families whose lives he enriched and cared for 
he will never be replaced.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
wonderful Kentucky gentleman and my friend, Dr. Alvin C. Poweleit.
  Mr. DASCHLE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Dakota.

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