[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 8 (Friday, January 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. HARRY ``MIKE'' MURDOCK, USMC

                                 ______


                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 13, 1995
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lt. Col. 
Harry ``Mike'' Murdock, USMC, who gave his life this Tuesday while 
trying to help his fellow marines.
  California has been battered by a series of storms over the last few 
weeks. I am sorry to report that these storms have claimed the life of 
Lieutenant Colonel Murdock, the commander of the Combat Training 
Battalion at Camp Pendleton.
  Lieutenant Colonel Murdock drowned in the San Onofre Creek, a 
normally gentle stream which was swollen by days of heavy rain. He was 
scouting for a safe location to cross the creek, to help 78 stranded 
marines return to the main part of Camp Pendleton. Tragically, he was 
caught in the rapid current and lost his footing. While the swift-water 
rescue team responded immediately, they were unable to find Lieutenant 
Colonel Murdock. A helicopter was brought in from MCAS El Toro, but was 
forced out of the search by darkness and the weather.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in saluting the valor and 
sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel Murdock. His death was a tragic loss 
for his family and for the Marine Corps, but I know they take some 
small comfort from the fact that he gave his life in an attempt to help 
his fellow marines. His devotion to duty and comrades was typical of 
the marines. I know the sympathies and respect of my colleagues in the 
House goes out to Lieutenant Colonel Murdock's family and his comrades 
in the Marine Corps.


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