[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 21, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO GENERAL MUNDY

 Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, on June 30, the U.S. Marine 
Corps and the Nation will say farewell to a valiant warrior, Gen. Carl 
E. Mundy, Commandant of the Marine Corps. I want to add my best wishes 
to General Mundy as he retires after 38 years of public service.
  General Mundy's personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, the 
Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, two Navy Commendation Medals and 
the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. I think the word ``gallantry'' 
exemplifies Carl Mundy's career.
  The Commandant of the Marine Corps leads the Nation's ``911'' force 
which is ready for combat or deployment at a moment's notice. The 
marines are America's rapid deployment force and in our Nation's 
history we have frequently called upon our marines to go abroad, to 
make a stand, to defend our Nation's interests. Carl Mundy and our 
marines have never let us down and we all owe a debt of gratitude to 
these brave and selfless Americans.
  General Mundy has a long history of defending the interests of the 
marine's who serve under his command. I think we all have a better 
appreciation of the quality of life issues and their impact on 
readiness because of the tireless work of Carl Mundy in this area. 
While we still have a long way to go to give all of our soldiers, 
sailors, airmen and marines a decent quality of life, Carl Mundy has 
clearly pushed the Department of Defense and the Congress to address 
these issues and I salute him for this effort.
  Most of all, General Mundy is a leader and a man of his word. When 
the administration seemed determined to leave 55 FAST marines stranded 
in Mogadishu for no apparent reason, I asked for a hearing on this 
subject. Prior to the hearing, I discussed the issue with General Mundy 
and others to get a better feel for the situation. In my discussion 
with the Commandant, I saw he had only two objectives--accomplishing 
the mission and the interests of his marines. As it became clear that 
there was no mission to accomplish, the Senate voted to remove the last 
American military personnel, our 55 FAST marines, from Somalia. I 
appreciate General Mundy's support and guidance during the Senate 
consideration of this issue.
  The marine's are a symbol of the strength and character of America. 
The presence of U.S. Marines overseas is an unmistakable signal that 
America is serious about its commitments and responsibilities. General 
Mundy is a symbol of these qualities, he served with a presence, and he 
served with honor and dignity. I want to thank Carl Mundy for his 
dedicated service to his country and his marines.


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