[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 139 (Wednesday, October 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1931]]



                IN RECOGNITION OF CAPTAIN HENRY OSBORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute 
to one of the greatest men and finest Americans I have ever known--Navy 
Captain Henry Osborne.
  He was born in Ladonia, Texas, January 17, 1924, to Mr. and Mrs. 
Alonzo Osborne. Henry enlisted as a Seaman Second Class in the Navy May 
8, 1942. He was designated a Naval Aviator and received a commission as 
Ensign, April 16, 1943. After a long and distinguished military career 
Henry retired June 30, 1973, as Captain, United States Navy.
  Seeing Captain Osborne on Sundays at First United Methodist Church of 
Rockwall, I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally. Besides 
exchanging pleasantries, I had the opportunity to share old World War 
II stories with Captain Osborne on many occasions.
  During these memorable conversations, Captain Osborne told me about 
the combat he saw in the Pacific during World War II and in Korea. He 
was a Prisoner of War in Korea from May 23, 1951 to September 2, 1953. 
Captain Osborne was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished 
Flying Cross, the Air Medal (12), the Joint Service Commendation, the 
Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit 
Commendation. As shown by these many symbols of accomplishment and 
bravery, Henry fought for this country, he was imprisoned for this 
country, he bled for this country--and, yes, he lived for this country.
  Captain Henry Osborne passed away last week on October 1, 1998. Henry 
is survived by his wife, the former Muriel Kathryn Ogden, whom he 
married at the Naval Air Station Chapel, Corpus Christi, Texas, October 
31, 1947. Muriel knew the pains of fear as her husband was shot down in 
combat and imprisoned. She served side by side with Henry during the 
dark days of war and enjoyed the bright aftermath of armistice. Muriel 
is a lovely and talented lady who has shared her talents with our 
church choir. She has always been a wonderful wife, friend and partner 
to a great, great man. Henry is also survived by his three daughters: 
Kathryn, Henri and Zelma.
  Mr. Speaker, I have rarely been as impressed by any one man, as I was 
by Henry Osborne. Henry was a ``man's man.'' When I looked him in the 
eye I saw a man who bore the brunt of war. Henry Osborne was the 
epitome of a Naval Captain. Mr. Speaker, when we adjourn today, let us 
do so in honor and respect for this great American hero--the late 
Captain Henry Osborne.

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