[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ANATOLI BOUKREEV

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 1996

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor an 
outstanding resident of my State. Anatoli Boukreev, a Russian 
mountaineer currently residing in Santa Fe, NM, displayed outstanding 
courage and uncommon valor by personally saving the lives of three 
Americans during a snow storm on Mount Everest in mid-May.
  On May 10, 1996, a snow and ice storm surprised a large group of 
climbers in a perilous position on the mountain. As the group broke 
down into smaller teams in an effort to reach a base camp, Boukreev set 
out ahead to prepare warm drinks and obtain extra oxygen. As the storm 
worsened, it became evident to Boukreev that he needed to return up the 
mountain to help the others. Disregarding the grave danger he was 
placing himself in, he climbed up the mountain two additional times to 
save other climbers. By the time he was through, he had been climbing 
for 24 straight hours.
  Boukreev performed a heroic act of which Americans as well as fellow 
citizens of Russia can be proud. He thought first of others, only 
succumbing to his own needs when physical exhaustion betrayed him. I am 
honored to have him as a constituent.
  Boukreev has lived in the United States since the ordeal. He is a 
professional mountaineer, and has an impressive list of climbing 
accomplishments and related achievements. He is considering 
establishing part-time residency in the United States and would like to 
become involved with American climbing groups.
  I urge my fellow members to join me in commemorating the bravery of 
Anatoli Boukreev and congratulating him on his heroic act.

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