[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 21 (Thursday, February 2, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     DEATH OF RICHARD L. ROUDEBUSH

  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, the world lost a great public servant and 
well-known Hoosier last weekend with the death of the Honorable Richard 
L. Roudebush.
  He was born on a farm in Noblesville, IN, 77 years ago. In 1941, he 
graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis with a degree in 
business administration. Soon after, he enlisted on the Army just 1 
month before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and was shipped out to 
Egypt in September 1942, where he joined with British Forces during 
five major battles in North Africa. While participating in the invasion 
of Italy, his landing craft was hit and was sunk by the enemy, but he 
survived and continued the fight with the 15th Air Force.
  Richard Roudebush's distinguished career of serving United States 
does not end with his role in World War II. He demonstrated his 
leadership among his war veteran peers with being actively involved in 
the Indiana Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars and eventually being 
elected as national commander in chief of the national VFW.
  A friend of Mr. Roudebush's remarked that he was so discouraged at 
the way Hoosier Congressmen were handling things in Washington, that he 
decided to run for Congress himself. He did, and in fact, he was 
elected to the House of Representatives five times, and from three 
different districts. Through his own efforts, he quickly rose from the 
ranks to become the assistant minority whip and ranking member of his 
party on the Committee on Science and Astronautics where he was best 
known for his instrumental efforts in helping to get America's space 
program successfully off the ground.
  No challenge was ever too great for Richard Roudebush. This was most 
apparent in the contest for the Senate seat of then-Senator Vance 
Hartke. Mr. Roudebush did not win the race, but it was the closest 
Senate election race in Indiana history. Out of 2 million votes cast 
only 4,000 votes kept him from victory.
  His deep affection and commitment to his fellow veterans led him on a 
continued mission, especially after his congressional days, to help 
make better the lives of his fellow comrades. After working in the 
Veterans Administration for 3 years as the No. 3 man, President Gerald 
Ford nominated Mr. Roudebush as Veterans Administrator in 1974. His 
dedication to veterans continued later in life as he served on veteran 
advisory boards and was honored with life membership to most veteran-
related organizations.
  Richard Roudebush fought for United States and served his country in 
the public sector as representative of the people. He was a Hoosier 
hero who exemplified the very best in public service. His vision, 
knowledge, and zeal for excellence, and determination to see 
initiatives through to their successful conclusion are some of his 
qualities that have endured in the Veterans Administration and the 
Congress. His honors and awards are a treatment to the depth of his 
service dedication and the impact of his efforts. His presence will be 
greatly missed, but his work on behalf of veterans and the residents of 
Indiana will remain a great legacy of which all Americans can be proud.


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