[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 52 (Monday, April 22, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO VICE ADM. JOHN BULKELEY

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, it is with deep sorrow I note the passing of 
Vice Adm. John Bulkeley. Friday morning a memorial service was held at 
Memorial Chapel at Fort Myer to honor Admiral Bulkeley, and I think it 
only appropriate that the Senate takes a few minutes to honor this true 
American hero.
  Admiral Bulkeley had a long and distinguished military career. 
However, he is best remembered for his service during World War II. In 
August 1941, then-Lieutenant Bulkeley assumed command of Motor Torpedo 
Boat Squadron 3, which participated in one of the most spectacular 
events of the Philippine campaign.
  Lieutenant Bulkeley helped break through Japanese lines to transport 
Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his staff from Corregidor and Bataan to 
Mindanao. From there MacArthur flew to Australia, where he assumed 
command of the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific.
  Shortly thereafter, Lieutenant Bulkeley returned to Negros Island and 
located and transported the President and Vice President of the 
Philippine Islands through the Japanese lines to Mindanao to be flown 
to Australia.
  For his service in defense of the Philippines, Admiral Bulkeley was 
awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation read in part:

       For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service and 
     conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, as 
     Commander of Motor Torpedo Board Squadron Three, in 
     Philippine waters during the period December 7, 1941 to April 
     10, 1942. The remarkable achievement of Lieutenant Bulkeley's 
     Command in damaging or destroying a notable number of 
     Japanese enemy planes, surface combatant and merchant ships, 
     and in dispersing landing parties and land based enemy forces 
     during the four months and eight days of operations without 
     benefits of repairs, overhaul or maintenance facilities for 
     his squadron, is believed to be without precedent in this 
     type of warfare. His dynamic forcefulness and daring in 
     offensive action, his brilliantly planned and skillfully 
     executed attacks, supplemented by an outstanding leader of 
     men and a gallant and intrepid seaman. These qualities 
     coupled with a complete disregard for his own personal safety 
     reflect great credit upon himself and the Naval Service.

  Admiral Bulkeley's service did not end there. He went on to further 
distinguish himself in the European theater. In 1944, while in command 
of 110 mine sweepers and escorting motor torpedo boats, he spearheaded 
the invasion of Normandy by sweeping the Baie de LaSeine assault area 
prior to the arrival of the assault force. In July he conducted an 
operation which successfully deceived the Germans into believing that 
the main landings for the invasion of Southern France would come in the 
Baie del Ciotat. Consequently, Admiral Bulkeley engaged in a running 
gunfight with two German corvettes, both of which were eventually sunk.
  Admiral Bulkeley also served with distinction in the Korean conflict, 
during which he commanded a destroyer division. Later he commanded the 
naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
  Finally, in June 1967, Admiral Bulkeley reported to Washington, where 
he headed the Board of Inspection and Survey, a position he held for an 
unprecedented 21 years.
  So I think it is fair to say Admiral Bulkeley's life was marked by 
courage, dedication, and sacrifice. He is a man who loved his country 
and served it with distinction. We would all do well to emulate Admiral 
Bulkeley, a true American hero who will be greatly missed.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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