[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1796-E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH D. PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a tremendous 
hero from Michigan's Fourth Congressional District. This hero is a

[[Page E1797]]

high school student from Merrill, MI who has served as a role model for 
many other students. This outstanding young man is in line to be 
valedictorian of his graduating class and has maintained a 4.1 grade 
point average on a 4.0 scale while participating on the school's 
basketball and track teams. While these are striking accomplishments, 
they pale in comparison to another. On the evening of August 3, 1997, 
Joseph D. Peterson accomplished an extraordinary feat by rescuing the 
life of a mother of three on a desolate road.
  Joseph was driving down a winding road in northern Michigan when the 
car in front of him went out of control and spun off the road into a 
thicket of trees. With selfless disregard for his personal safety, he 
swiftly pulled the driver, Marie S. Craig, from the car just moments 
before it burst into flames. Joseph then drove Marie to safety and 
stayed with her until emergency crews transported her to the hospital. 
Because of Joseph's valiant actions, Marie suffered only a broken leg 
and a gash on her head, rather than a possible fatal injury.
  On behalf of Ms. Craig, her family, and the people of the Fourth 
District I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Joseph Peterson 
for his brave and heroic action. Mr. Speaker, it takes a true champion 
to accept the challenge which Joseph did in rescuing Marie. Please join 
me in commending his heroism.

                          ____________________