[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE U.S. ASIATIC FLEET AND U.S.S. TRINITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the bravery and 
valor exhibited by the veterans of the U.S. Navy Asiatic Fleet.
  From 1910 to 1942, the Asiatic Fleet protected American interests and 
promoted American ideals in the Far East. At the time, the fleet was 
comprised of 3 cruisers, 13 World War I vintage destroyers, 29 
submarines and a small number of gunboats and patrol aircraft. 
Following the declaration of war against Imperial Japan, the 
outnumbered and outgunned Asiatic Fleet courageously fought against a 
vastly superior Japanese armada comprised of 10 carries, 28 cruisers, 
113 destroyers, and 63 submarines.
  The fleet participated in the first surface U.S. naval engagement of 
World War II. Fighting with little aircover, the brave men and women of 
the fleet fought against all odds, but in the end they suffered 
staggering losses. The fleet lost 22 ships, 1826 killed, and 518 POWs.
  The U.S.S. Trinity was one of the few surviving ships.
  From September 1 to September 4, the surviving U.S.S. Trinity crew 
and their families will hold a reunion in Chicagoland. Although I will 
not be able to join them, I wish them all the best as they gather 
together to fellowship, renew their friendships, and cherish the 
thoughts of their fallen comrades.
  Protecting freedom and democracy has a price, and many of the brave 
Americans in the Asiatic Fleet paid the ultimate price. As Americans, 
we are truly blessed to have had so many extraordinary men and women 
serve in our armed forces. Their Sacrifices enables us to live in the 
world we live in today.
  So let us not forget their deeds. Let us not forget their blood, 
sweat, and tears. Let us remember the sacrifices they made, so that we 
may live in freedom instead of tyranny.
  I submit that the many untold stories of the Asiatic Fleet and the 
U.S.S. Trinity are all profiles of courage.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute them all today.

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