[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E174-E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SALUTING SAM JOHNSON OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 1998

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute a colleague and a 
true patriot, Representative Sam Johnson of Texas. Today marks the 25th 
anniversary of Mr. Johnson's release from North Vietnam, where he was 
held as a prisoner of war for nearly seven years in the infamous Hanoi 
Hilton.
  We have all heard stories of the horrific conditions endured by 
American servicemen who became pawns of the North Vietnamese as

[[Page E175]]

the Vietnam conflict raged. Representative Johnson saw some of the 
worst. He has been quoted as saying, ``If hell is here on earth, it is 
located on an oddly shaped city block in downtown Hanoi, Vietnam.''
  Isolation, starvation, and torture were almost certainly not what 
Representative Johnson envisioned as he participated in ROTC in college 
and moved on to a military career as an Air Force fighter pilot. Yet 
when his F-4 was shot down only two months into his second tour of duty 
in Vietnam, Representative Johnson took everything that was handed to 
him all the while heroically maintaining his pride in the country he 
serves to this day.
  He was labeled a diehard by his guards and banished to solitary 
confinement for months at a time. A patriot throughout, Representative 
Johnson returned home an continued his military service until his 
retirement in 1979. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 
1991, where he has repeatedly shown his dedication to responsible 
fiscal policy, family values, and America's patriotic heritage.
  Since his return from Vietnam, Representative Johnson has received 
many awards in recognition of his service to his country, including two 
Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, two Legions of Merit, the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, and one Bronze Star with Valor, among 
others.
  Representative Johnson, our tribute today is not so prestigious an 
award. Yet it is meant to signify the gratefulness and respect of your 
colleagues for the service you have done your country and continue to 
do as a Member of this House. Representative Johnson, thank you. Your 
enduring will and patriotism in the face of unimaginable adversity is 
truly exemplary.

                          ____________________