[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO FRANK DILLMAN

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                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of our 
country's great veterans, Mr. Frank Dillman. Frank was a member of the 
old Fourth Marine Regiment which was stationed in China before being 
shipped out to the Philippines during the outbreak of World War II. 
This regiment arrived in the Philippines days before the Japanese 
arrived to continue the attack they had initiated at Pearl Harbor.
  With no hope for reinforcements because of the destruction of the 
American Naval fleet days before, the Philippines were forced to 
surrender shortly after the fighting began. Frank survived the Bataan 
Death March, was interned in a prisoner-of-war camp before being 
transported to Japan where he was forced to work slave labor in a 
Mitsubishi-owned copper mine until Japan surrendered in 1945.
  Following his release, Frank was asked by Marine Corps General Lem 
Shepherd to write a history of his ordeal. Frank agreed and, while 
working on his project, began collecting pictures, artifacts and 
stories that would eventually become an exhibit known as the Pacific 
Memorial Freedom Foundation. This exhibit includes the first American 
flag to be pulled down and desecrated by the Japanese at Baguio and an 
original copy of the Freedom Proclamation issued by General Douglas 
MacArthur. The exhibit has been displayed at a number of high school 
libraries in San Diego County and is currently located at the Veterans 
Memorial Center in Balboa Park in San Diego.
  As news of the exhibit spread, Frank still receives pictures and 
artifacts as he continue to write extensively on the collection and the 
American and Filipino soldiers involved with the conflict. As we all 
know, America allowed Filipinos to enlist in the U.S. Navy while in the 
Philippines where they would eventually visit and experience San Diego 
during their travels. Many decided to make San Diego their home and, as 
a result, San Diego County has the greatest concentration of Filipinos 
of any county in California.
  Mr. Speaker, Frank Dillman's vision has created an exhibit that 
reminds us all of our important history. His efforts honor our Nation's 
veterans and provide a unique service, not just to those in San Diego, 
but to our country as well.

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