[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO RUBY ``ALICE'' FINN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
life of a friend from my district, Mrs. Ruby ``Alice'' Finn of Campo, 
California. Alice recently passed away and I would like to take a 
moment to commend the dedication she had for her family and country.
  Alice married John W. Finn in 1933 while he was serving in the U.S. 
Navy. They were stationed all over the country and world, including San 
Diego, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama, Japan and China. On December 7, 1941, 
John was a Chief Aviation Ordnanceman at Kaneohe Bay on the windward 
side of Oahu, when the Japanese military attacked on their way to Pearl 
Harbor. During this attack, John was seriously wounded but refused 
medical treatment and would not leave his position until ordered to do 
so, earning him the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor. With 
Alice by his side, John was given this honor by Admiral Chester Nimitz 
aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, making her the first woman ever allowed 
aboard a ``U.S. Man of War'' during a wartime situation and in a war 
zone. Alice stayed with John during the remainder of his tour of duty 
in Hawaii working as a military mail-censor.
  Alice and John came to the beautiful backcountry of San Diego in 
1958. On their ranch, they raised one son and took the time to help 
those in need by serving as foster parents to several of the local 
Native-American Indian children who were alone. When Alice passed away 
this last December, she was laid to rest in this area amongst the 
surroundings she helped make beautiful and near the people she loved.
  Mr. Speaker, in a time where indifference is often chosen over 
concern, Alice exemplified the meaning of caring for those around you. 
Whether it be standing beside her husband during time of war or 
reaching out to those in need, Alice was a person who put others before 
herself. Thank you Alice for giving us an example of the type of person 
we all should strive to be.

                          ____________________