[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 86 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING 2ND AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION OF WWII

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MERRILL COOK

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 1999

  Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today 
to pay tribute to the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion of World War II, 
better known as the Alligator Marines. Activated in 1942 at Marine 
Corps Base, San Diego, and assigned to the newly forming 2nd Marine 
Division, the Alligator Marines fought for their country in the 
Southwest Pacific.
  The Alligator Marines were so named because of their amphibious 
vehicles, the Landing Vehicle Tracked, or an amphibious tractor. Later, 
they became known as Alligators, and those who manned them, Alligator 
Marines.
  This battalion earned Presidential Unit Citations, a Pacific Campaign 
Streamer with four bronze stars, a National Defense Streamer with 
bronze star and four battle stars (plus) during their time of service 
for their country. Their accomplishments are impressive, and they 
deserve our respect.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise before 
this Congress and honor this group of Marines for their service, their 
fortitude and their heroics. The Alligator Marines are meeting this 
week for their annual reunion in Salt Lake City, Utah to come together 
and remember the tragedy they withstood and the achievements they made. 
We as a country owe these and all Veterans a debt of gratitude that can 
never be repaid.

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