[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]

 
        TRIBUTE TO LEWIS PULLER, JR., FROM THE VIRGINIA OBSERVER

                                 ______


                          HON. OWEN B. PICKETT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. PICKETT. Mr. Speaker, a commentary about the life and untimely 
death of Lewis Puller, Jr. written by Gordon Dillon appeared in the 
Virginia Observer on May 20, 1994. Lewis Puller, Jr., the only son of 
Gen. Lewis ``Chesty'' Puller, Sr., the most decorated officer in Marine 
Corps history, was himself a decorated Marine, a disabled Vietnam 
Veteran, a husband, a father, and an inspiration to many. He won a 
Pulitzer Prize for his 1991 autobiography, ``Fortunate Son,'' in which 
he shared the story of his recovery from both his physical injuries and 
bouts with depression and alcoholism. Lewis Puller, Jr. fought 
valiantly many battles in his life, but in the end, tragically, could 
fight no more.
  I respectfully request that the following commentary by Gordon Dillon 
be included in the Record.

                     The Bravest Man--A Commentary

                           (By Gordon Dillon)

       He went down into the Valley of Death five times and 
     survived. He survived differently that when he first looked 
     death in the eyes.
       He was to live without legs. He was to live without most of 
     his fingers.
       He was to live the rest of his life in constant and 
     excruciating pain.
       But he endured. He became a symbol to all those who had 
     made that journey with him.
       He went on to graduate from law school and to write a 
     Pulitzer Prize--winning novel.
       I first met him when he ran for Congress. He was shy, but 
     eloquent. As he sat in his wheelchair, he was the tallest man 
     in the room.
       His courage, his quick smile brightened all those around 
     him.
       He went on to become critical of the war that had cost him 
     and his comrades so much. He would denounce war. He would 
     tell how he was trained to be a killer.
       For all of his adult life he gave so much to his country 
     and to his fellow human beings.
       Last week, he could give no more.
       He left this world by his own choosing, brave to the end.
       Lew Puller was the bravest man I ever met. We shall not 
     look upon his like again.

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