[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         A MEMORIAL DAY SALUTE

                                 ______


                          HON. SONNY CALLAHAN

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, as Memorial Day, 1994, approaches, I would 
like to celebrate a little early. When I say celebrate, I don't mean 
the usual barbecue, watermelon, and day off from work.
  No, I mean remember Memorial Day the way it was meant to be 
celebrated: by honoring a group of American soldiers who made the 
ultimate sacrifice for the good of their country. Today, I would like 
to recognize the Marine unit of 1st Platoon of Alpha Company, 1st 
Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, for their actions on hill No. 64, in 
the battle of Khe Sanh, during the winter of 1968.
  Since millions of Americans today were not even born during this dark 
time in American history, I would like to set the stage for a brief 
history of hill No. 64. The battle occurred during the time of the Tet 
offensive by the North Vietnamese Army in the Vietnam war. The combat 
base at Khe Sanh was surrounded during this offensive and was under 
seige for approximately 3 months by an overwhelming enemy force.
  President Johnson was worried the base would be captured, and he kept 
a scale model of it in the White House. He required daily briefings by 
the Pentagon to keep him informed as to its status. Outside the main 
base perimeter of Khe Sanh was a small hill, hill No. 64, on which the 
1st Platoon was placed to act as an outpost for the main base. Its 
military designation was Alpha 1 outpost.
  The platoon, which totaled 64 marines, was attacked on February 8, 
1968 by what some military historians believe was a reinforced 
battalion of the North Vietnamese Army. The fighting was fierce, hand-
to-hand at times, and before it was over the few marines who could 
still fight were running out of ammunition and actually threw rocks at 
the enemy out of desperation.
  Of the 64 marines on this small outpost, 24 were killed and 29 were 
severely wounded. Only 11 were able to walk down the hill after the 
battle. They walked down the hill carrying the bodies of their friends 
and helping the wounded.
  The assault on the 1st Platoon by such a large North Vietnamese force 
and their resulting failure to take the hill was a turning point in the 
siege at Khe Sanh. That attack was the last ground assault against the 
marines because the North Vietnamese realized they could not take the 
territory held with ground troops in face to face combat.
  Despite the heavy losses in life and artillery, the actions of the 
platoon proved to be substantially heroic. Heroic because the battle 
was a turning point in the siege of Khe Sanh. And heroic because they 
demonstrated overwhelming bravery that went far beyond the call of 
duty. These soldiers knew better than most what it felt like to be the 
few and the proud.
  Despite this incredible bravery, pride, and heroism demonstrated by 
the platoon, only two men have been individually recognized with a 
Silver and Bronze Star. Not once has the platoon as a whole been 
recognized. Not once has it been officially thanked for its sacrifice. 
Not once has it been praised for its dedication. This is a shame, Mr. 
Speaker. It is a crying shame that such honorable men have never been 
honored.
  Mr. Speaker, my reason for speaking out today is to shed light on 
this unfortunate oversight. While but one Member of Congress, I believe 
I speak for an entire Nation when I honor, recognize, and praise the 
actions of these heroic marines. In the words of one member of the 
platoon, Cpl. David R. Ford, I am here to ``right a wrong'' that 
occurred over 26 years ago.
  So, Mr. Speaker, as we approach this Memorial Day, I salute this 
brave platoon, those who are still living and the memory of those who 
have died. I salute them for what they tried to do and for what they 
did. While I know this single recognition can not erase the years of 
feeling overlooked and unappreciated, I know they stand shoulder to 
shoulder with the millions of veterans from other wars. Therefore, I 
also salute the men and women all around this great country who have 
fought and are fighting for our country, yet are very rarely 
recognized. Thank you brave soldiers. Thank you for giving your time. 
Thank you for giving your energy. And thank you for giving your lives.

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