[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1033-E1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       TRIBUTE TO MAJ. HAL GEER--MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD WARS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege for me today to 
rise and pay tribute to an exemplary American, Maj. Hal Geer, who is 
being honored by his peers with the Military Order of the World Wars 
for his extraordinary devotion to our country. The order symbolizes 
distinguished service within the Armed Forces and is awarded to one who 
embodies the highest degree of honor, duty, and patriotism.
  Hal's life story exemplifies those virtues that make a true hero. The 
tenderfoot oath that he swore when he was 12--``On my Honor I will do 
my best to do my duty to God and my Country,''--became the creed by 
which he lived his life. Just 1 week after the tragedy of Pearl Harbor, 
Hal heeded the call of duty to his country and voluntarily enlisted in 
the Army, leaving behind his wife, to fight for democracy abroad. Hal 
also passed up officer candidate school to become a combat photographer 
and he actively sought front-line assignments.
  Gen. George Patton once said, ``Wars may be fought with weapons, but 
they are won by men.'' We can stand here free today because of men like 
Hal Geer who went beyond the call of duty.
  Hal's courage and valor place him among the pantheon of true American 
heroes. He flew more than 85 air combat missions in China, risking his 
own life to show the American people the courage of our troops in 
action. Hal later volunteered to work behind enemy lines in China where 
he stood under constant fire. That heroism has brought Major Geer 
countless decorations and commendations, and has made him World War 
II's most highly decorated combat photographer.
  However, Hal showed his devotion not just in war but also in peace 
time. In addition to serving as president of the Congregational Church 
of North Hollywood, he has also devoted countless hours to teaching 
religious education classes. Furthermore, Hal has produced Memorial Day 
services to ensure that

[[Page E1034]]

those who died for our country are never forgotten, and that we never 
forget that the price for democracy is eternal vigilance.
  Today, I join those who have devoted their lives to defending our 
country in honoring Maj. Hal Geer with the Military Order of the World 
Wars.

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