[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1587-E1588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SALUTE TO ROBERT ESTEL ENGLAND AND ALL THE BRAVE MEN WHO SERVED IN THE 
                            NAVY ARMED GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, throughout our nation's history, men and 
women from all corners of our country have stood tall in her defense. 
It is the bravery and honor with which these men and women have served 
that has helped keep America free and strong over the years.
  Today, I would like to commend one such individual: Gunners Mate 3rd 
Class Robert

[[Page E1588]]

Estel England of Laurel County, Kentucky. Gunners Mate England served 
during the Second World War as a member of the U.S. Navy's Armed Guard. 
His first assignment was aboard the SS West Cheswald, which was charged 
with carrying arms, ammo and food to allied troops in Russia.
  During his service, Gunners Mate England fought bravely and 
honorably. Like so many others who served on ships, in the air, or in 
the trenches during World War II, Robert England and his fellow 
servicemen saw battle and fought bravely. Unlike so many of his fellow 
servicemen, England and the other members of the Navy Armed Guard have 
never been properly recognized for their outstanding service.
  The Armed Guard was created as a branch of the Navy during World War 
I to protect the merchant ships of the United States. During World War 
II the Armed Guard was reactivated in response to the German attack and 
sinking of merchant ships, event those of neutral countries, that 
appeared to be bringing goods to Allied Nations. The mission of the 
merchant ships was absolutely critical: they were the lifeline for many 
allied troops, delivering ammunition, food, weapons, clothing, and 
other badly-needed supplies.
  The men of the Armed Guard who helped protect these ships were heroes 
in the true sense of the word. They made tremendous sacrifices, and 
many died in the hands of an unforgiving sea. They endured torpedoes, 
gunfire, and bombs. They were the target of enemy destroyers, 
submarines and bombers. They fought off Japanese planes and German U-
boats. They fought for freedom and democracy, and they made our nation 
proud.
  Mr. President, for too long the men of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard have 
not received the recognition they deserve, but, earlier this year the 
House of Representatives moved to correct this injustice. The Defense 
Authorization Act for 1999 contains a provision that recognizes the 
service, honor and bravery of the men who served in the Armed Guard. It 
expresses the appreciation of the Congress and American people for 
their service and their sacrifices.
  During their service, the men of the Navy Armed Guard served with 
honor, dignity, and courage. Nearly 145,000 men served in the Armed 
Guard on 6,236 merchants ships during WW II. Nearly 2,000 of these men 
made the supreme sacrifice by giving their lives in the defense of 
their country.
  It is time these men--men like Robert England--receive the 
appreciation of a grateful nation. It is time that these men receive 
the recognition they deserve.

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