[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E480-E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______


                            HON. FRANK RIGGS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 28, 1996

  Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a true 
American hero, Mr. Arthur E. Lewis. Arthur Lewis now resides at the 
Yountville Veterans Home of California.
  During the trying years of World War Two, Seaman ``Art'' Lewis was 
assigned aboard the U.S.S. Balch. In the spring of 1942, the U.S.S. 
Balch sailed with Task Force 16. Task Force 16 was a group of ships 
that launched the successful daylight bombing raid on Tokyo by General 
Doolittle and his sixteen Army B-25 bombers. The Doolittle raids were 
an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in the first 
months of the war following the tragic Japanese surprise attack on 
Pearl Harbor.
  Not long after this important mission, the U.S.S. Balch was to again 
engage the enemy in the pivotal battle of Midway Island. Aboard the 
U.S.S. Balch, Art Lewis demonstrated his gallantry and bravery under 
adverse and treacherous conditions.

[[Page E481]]

  The Battle for Midway would result in a resounding victory for the 
United States Navy. However, the battle did not end without exacting a 
substantial toll on the American forces. In the concluding hours of the 
historic sea battle, the aircraft carrier Yorktown was mortally 
damaged. Its crew abandoned ship in the shark-infested waters of the 
South Pacific. The sailors of the Yorktown were scattered about the 
ocean, wounded, exhausted, and oil-soaked. They were in danger of being 
lost if immediate assistance was not forthcoming. Seaman Lewis, with 
disregard for his own safety, took immediate action to save the lives 
of his fellow sailors by carrying buoyed lines 300 to 400 years out to 
exhausted swimmers.

  Uncertain whether the Japanese would strike again, all ships in the 
vicinity were under orders to make full speed in the event of another 
air attack. Despite this possibility, Seaman Lewis continued to save 
the lives of his comrades.
  Fortunately, the Japanese did not launch a second attack, and 9 hours 
after the sinking of the Yorktown, the rescue operations were complete. 
Art, along with others had saved the lives of 2,270 Americans on that 
historic day in June, 1942.
  Art's story of gallantry is not a fading memory of an aging veteran. 
Along with many military historians, Adm. Chester Nimitz made note of 
Art's bravery in his written accounts of the Battle of Midway.
  Despite these facts, Art was never officially recognized for his acts 
of bravery. Because of the length of time since the Battle of Midway, 
military regulations make it impossible to award Seaman Lewis with the 
Bronze Star, the medal he would have received during World War Two for 
his actions.
  While the Pentagon cannot bestow Mr. Lewis with a Bronze Star, I feel 
it is incumbent upon me and all Americans to make note of Mr. Lewis' 
brave acts. At the very least, it is important to make record of Mr. 
Lewis' dedication and courage. Mr.Speaker, on behalf of the American 
people, I convey our gratitude and thanks to a true American hero, 
Seaman Art Lewis.

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