[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 102 (Thursday, July 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1446-E1447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            AMERICAN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of two American 
heroes--retired Col. Mitchell Paige, of the U.S. Marines and retired 
Col. Frederick T. Flo of the U.S. Army.

[[Page E1447]]

  The veterans of America are the men and women deeply responsible for 
the great Nation we live in. The bravery, honor and dignity in which 
they bestowed their service in the hope of preserving democracy puts 
all Americans forever in their debt. From the Revolutionary War to 
Desert Storm, our Nation has relied on our soldiers to keep peace and 
promote freedom.
  I am privileged to honor two of these heroes today before this 
Congress and the American people.
  Today, Col. Mitchell Paige is retired in the great State of 
California, but in October of 1942 he fought valiantly to stop the 
Japanese attacks on the Matanikau River during World War II. Col. Paige 
was rewarded for his heroic action with the Medal of Honor. This Marine 
was acknowledged in several papers as single handedly securing the 
perimeter and preserving the lives of many Americans.
  Col. Frederick Flo is also an American champion. In World War II he 
was deployed with the Army to the front lines. Colonel Flo volunteered 
to lead a patrol on a 125-mile reconnaissance behind Japanese lines 
with only 13 men in his company. His successful mission provided 
important information for his superior, General Vandergift, that may 
well have saved the lives of many Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the American people and this Congress, I 
would like to formally congratulate these two men. They are genuine 
American heroes and deserve our recognition and faithful appreciation. 
I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize these two 
patriots today.

                          ____________________