[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2132-E2133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE CREW OF THE U.S.S. ``DALY''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, there are so many instances of patriotism 
and displays of courage beyond the call of duty that make up the 
framework of World War II that it is simply astounding. Even for those 
of us who lived through that demanding and challenging time period, it 
is hard to get a grasp on the sheer magnitude and extent of the massive 
war effort we undertook. Virtually all corners of the globe were 
impacted by either the effects of battle, the philosophical fight over 
the human spirit and forms of government, and the subsequent fallout of 
this war of all wars. And thanks to brave Americans like those who 
comprised the crew of the World War II destroyer, the U.S.S. Daly, 
democracy and human rights prevailed over tyranny and oppression.
  Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, November 2, the members of the crew of that 
destroyer will gather once again, this time in peaceful celebration of 
all they have accomplished on behalf of our country. They will be 
reunited in Saratoga Springs, NY, of my congressional district. I can't 
begin to tell you how proud I am to have such a distinguished group 
gathering in my congressional district to reminisce and rekindle old 
friendships and camaraderie. And that camaraderie, trust, loyalty, 
patriotism and unity of purpose is what made not only the U.S.S. Daly 
so successful and effective, but it is what made the entire U.S. war 
effort so special, special enough that it defined the remainder of the 
century, better than 50 years. I doubt these brave sailors recognized 
then the full significance their efforts and their victories would have 
on the course of history and the composition of the world. Ever since, 
America, and the American way of life, have been a beacon for the 
oppressed and underprivileged around the globe. This Sunday, Mr.

[[Page E2133]]

Speaker, I hope the surviving members of the 359 sailors who served on 
the U.S.S. Daly recognize just what they accomplished, and that those 
who can't be with us are remembered along with their comrades as what 
they are, American heroes.
  Speaking of some of their feats, let me tell you a brief bit of the 
history behind the U.S.S. Daly. She was launched almost 55 years ago to 
the day, on October 24, 1942. And as a former Marine myself, I'm 
pleased to tell you that she was named after Sgt. Maj. Daniel Daly of 
the U.S. Marine Corps, from my home State of New York. He received, get 
this, not one but two Congressional Medals of Honor through his tours 
of duty in more than four distinct conflicts, including in China during 
the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 and in France during World War I.
  Mr. Speaker, it was in Sergeant Major Daly's distinguished memory and 
record of valor and bravery that the crew of his namesake, the U.S.S. 
Daly, served. I can tell you this, they did him proud. There were a 
party to more than 15 distinct assaults, bombardments and occupations, 
including such daunting missions as at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and the 
final occupation and evacuation of Allied prisoners of war from 
Nagasaki, Japan, before pointing her bow homeward bound on the 17th of 
November 1945. She had made two separate tours from the States during 
the war and had performed admirably. But mostly, Mr. Speaker, the 
crewmen did her proud and did America proud. In the course of their 
time at war, the U.S.S. Daly was responsible for eliminating 23 enemy 
bombardiers, 3 enemy ships, and 10 enemy planes.
  Mr. Speaker, as those who put their lives on the line far away from 
home in strange waters aboard the U.S.S. Daly prepare to gather 
together again, I ask that you and all Members of Congress join with me 
in tribute to their tremendous service and sacrifice. They exemplify 
the spirit of patriotism, bravery, and volunteerism that helped make 
this country the greatest on Earth and put us in a position we enjoy 
today. By that measure, each and every one of them are truly great 
Americans. May our thoughts, best wishes and most importantly, our 
thanks, be with them this Sunday as always.

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