[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 8, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S6728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MEYER ``MIKE'' BERMAN

 Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Meyer 
``Mike'' Berman, a World War II veteran who demonstrated unusual 
heroism during his two years of service in the United States Army.
  Mike Berman, Private First Class, served as part of the 12th Infantry 
Regiment during World War II. An outstanding soldier, he was decorated 
with the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf 
Cluster, the World War II Victory Medal and Ribbon, the European 
African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and a Ribbon with one Silver 
Service Star.
  However, the accomplishment Mike Berman is proudest of is the time he 
saved the life of his friend, Private John Buyers. While artillery 
shells were coming from all directions, Mike Berman rushed to the aid 
of Private Buyers, who had been grievously injured. Mike Berman 
singlehandedly carried Private Buyers by foot to the service jeep that 
transported him to medical aid. I ask that Private Buyers' letter 
expressing the gratitude he felt towards Private Berman for saving his 
life be printed in the Record.
  The letter follows:

                                           England: Oct: 29th 1944

       Dear Mike: Just a few lines to say hello and let you know 
     I'm coming along pretty good. I just wanted to thank you for 
     what you done for me the day I got hit. I'll never forget it. 
     If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't be living today. Thanks 
     a million, ``Mike.'' I've had three operations so far and I'm 
     pretty weak, but I'll live through it. I won't be with you 
     boys' any more but tell them all hello for me. Please write 
     to me if you get a chance.
       Well, Mike, be good and take care of yourself. I sure 
     didn't last long, did I? Oh well! It was all in the cards I 
     guess. Please excuse my writing. I can do better but I'm 
     pretty nervous these days. Once again thanks for what you 
     done for me and maybe some day, I'll be able to sort of 
     square things up.
       So long.
           Cordially,
                                                           Buyers.

  Mr. MOYNIHAN. It is particularly appropriate with the recent 
celebration of Memorial Day that we pay homage to truly courageous 
individuals like Mike Berman, whose faith in democracy and freedom for 
mankind have helped make our nation as great as it is today.
  The worst of times often best reveals the character of an individual. 
In the worst of times, Mike Berman proved his charity and love for his 
fellow man. He went beyond the call of duty when no one else dared to.
  Having come from an immigrant family, Mr. Berman's achievements 
illustrate the enormous passion and desire America's immigrants have to 
create a better future in their newly adopted country. Our recognition 
of Mr. Berman reminds us of the tremendous contribution that immigrants 
have made in the shaping of our Nation. This diverse group of 
extraordinary, enterprising, and self-sufficient individuals have 
continuously served to strengthen the United States.

                          ____________________