[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY AND HONOR OF HART T. MANKIN

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
dedication, public service, and patriotism that personified the life of 
Judge Hart T. Mankin. Hart T. Mankin, an associate judge on the Federal 
Appellate Court of Veterans Appeals, passed away on May 28. I knew Hart 
well, having worked closely with him at the Pentagon during the 
turbulent years of the Vietnam war.
  Hart served as the General Counsel to the Department of the Navy from 
1971 to 1973. It was my privilege to first serve as Under Secretary of 
the Navy, and then Secretary of the Navy during this same time period. 
I remember Hart as a hard working, dedicated man, who gave his time, 
talent, and efforts to the service of his country.
  Judge Mankin is survived by his wife Ruth, to whom he was married for 
42 years, and three children--Margaret Mankin Barton, Theodore Mankin, 
and Susan Mankin Benzel. He was also a grandfather to four lovely 
granddaughters.
  Hart's son, Ted, delivered the eulogy at his father's funeral 
service. I believe the words he used to honor his father's memory are 
very touching, and I ask that they be inserted in the Record.

                       Reflections of H.T. Mankin

       The great jazz musician Count Basie once said, ``To make 
     great music, it is not the notes you play, but the notes you 
     don't play.'' I would like to think that my father made his 
     music or lived his life the same way.
       Dad's quiet strength and confidence affected everyone and 
     everything he touched.
       As a child growing up, whenever the we wondered how Dad 
     could accomplish a certain feat, he would respond ``Clean 
     living.'' And you know what He was right.
       While never claiming sainthood or looking for credit or 
     attention. Dad's humility contributed to the strength other 
     derived from him.
       Dad could have been considered unemotional at times, but he 
     was quite the contrary.
       Always centered and anchored, Dad's emotions weren't 
     symptomatic or reactionary, but honest and heartfelt.
       At work, his calm transcended the litigious. At home, his 
     calm transcended partisan politics.
       His methodical thorough approach to life helped us all look 
     before we leapt.


                                 listen

       That was one of Dad's secret. Whether it was personal, 
     work, or any other kind of problem, Dad listened. He might 
     help you find your path, but would never push or force you 
     into any decisions. But once your decision was final, he 
     would support you to the end.
       To Dad, the philosophical, the intellectual, the 
     theological or spiritual were inextricably one. Any one 
     movement to one side of the triangle affected the other two 
     sides.
       And Dad constantly pursued the truth, and at times defined 
     it legally; and at other times left the truth open ended. The 
     gray areas intrigued Dad, making him hungry for more 
     interpretations.
       Not that Dad didn't have his light side as well. Anyone who 
     knew Dad, knew his dry sense of humor was clever yet playful. 
     We all appreciate the time Dad spent doing his small part to 
     save Delaware's Mountains.
       Which brings us back to strength, this time strength of 
     convictions. In our family, to get a word in edgewise is a 
     feat in and of itself. But Dad, always choosing his words 
     carefully, spoke softly and always above the fray.
       Every word he spoke was very deliberate, well thought out, 
     and almost always correct. One did not guess or take shots in 
     the dark with Dad. Come prepared before you make your point. 
     What some men say in 200 words, Dad could say in 20 words.
       On the other hand, Dad did not wear blinders, and always 
     listened to every point of view. Because of his rare gift to 
     carefully consider every vantage point, he gradually was 
     recognized outside of his immediate family and peers as 
     someone who might really possess the truth. Some may consider 
     this blasphemous, but to many of us right here, he was the 
     truth.
       To Dad, humanity was the coexistence of all through the 
     truth. Humanity didn't just mean kindness or tranquility, it 
     meant everyone striving for the truth and how it applied to 
     their own particular life.
       Dad taught from legal and religious texts, but what most 
     learned from Dad came from the discipline in his demeanor.
       We learned from my Dad, Hart Mankin, that truth and beauty 
     can be found in Maritime law, Milton, or a Texas Straw Hat.
       God will help Dad uncover the truth, and we will continue 
     his journey. Dad we love you and miss you already.

                          ____________________