[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H5694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A SALUTE TO MARINE CAPT. SCOTT O'GRADY AND HIS RESCUERS

  (Mr. GEPHARDT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to pay tribute to a 
remarkable act of courage that has taken place in the war-torn land of 
Bosnia.
  I am talking about the rescue of Capt. Scott O'Grady, who had been 
missing for nearly a week, since his F-16 jet was shot down by the 
Bosnian Serbs.
  Many had almost given up hope of Scott's return. But for 6 days, he 
survived on his own in the woods--and stayed out of enemy hands--
because of what one marine colonel called his ``guts and his 
training.''
  That is when an outstanding team of marines, led by Col. Martin 
Berndt, responded to his radio call, and braved fire from Serb forces 
to bring this American patriot back home.
  Mr. Speaker, there are no words to express the gratitude of each and 
every American to Captain O'Grady, who placed his life on the line in 
the service of his country.
  His valor, his perseverance, his cunning and skill in the toughest of 
circumstances are a tribute not just to the U.S. Marine Corps, but to 
America's fighting spirit itself.
  As for his rescuers, I think it should be clear today that, as much 
as we need our weapons systems--as much as we need the sophisticated 
technology that keeps our troops safe and helps them do their jobs--the 
heart of our Armed Forces is the drive, the dedication, the 
determination of our men and women in uniform to do their best for 
America.
  On behalf of every Member of this Congress, I salute them--I thank 
them--and I am grateful for the gift of Captain O'Grady's return to 
family and country.

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