[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S12891]]
      DEDICATION OF THE MICHAEL J. FITZMAURICE STATE VETERANS HOME

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, on October 2, 1998, South Dakotans 
honored one of their veterans with the dedication of the Michael J. 
Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs. I believe this is a 
fitting tribute to a man who was willing to sacrifice his own life to 
defend the lives of his friends amidst the chaos of battle.
  Michael Fitzmaurice served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne 
Division at Khe Sanh. On March 13, 1971, American forces at Khe Sanh 
were engaged by North Vietnamese troops. During the assault, North 
Vietnamese sappers threw three satchel charges into a bunker defended 
by Michael and other airborne troops. Michael Fitzmaurice was able to 
throw two of the explosive charges out of the bunker, and then showing 
no regard for his own life, used his flak jacket to smother the third 
charge. Despite receiving severe wounds, Michael Fitzmaurice refused 
medical attention and continued to defend the bunker from the North 
Vietnamese assault. Because of his unselfish action, Michael was 
awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism and for saving 
the lives of his fellow soldiers.
  Today, Michael Fitzmaurice works at the Sioux Falls Veterans Medical 
Center after serving twenty years with the South Dakota National Guard. 
He now lives in Hartford, South Dakota with his wife Patty and his 
children. The veterans home dedicated in Michael's honor will serve as 
a residence for veterans who saw combat. The facility also has a 
nursing home and a place where veterans can receive needed medical 
attention.
  From the battlefields of Lexington and Concord, to the beaches of 
Normandy, and to base camps such as Khe Sanh, our nation's history is 
replete with individuals who, during the savagery of battle, were 
willing to forgo their own survival not only to protect the lives of 
their comrades, but also to defend a people they did not know. 
Americans should never forget these men and women who served our nation 
with such dedication and patriotism.
  Mr. President, I offer my congratulations and gratitude to Michael 
and his family on this profound dedication. The Michael J. Fitzmaurice 
State Veterans Home will stand not only as a testament to Michael 
Fitzmaurice's bravery and leadership, but will remain a constant 
reminder of South Dakota's continued dedication in serving the needs of 
our veterans.

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