[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO JAKE N. VAN METER, JR., FOR HIS HONORABLE SERVICE 
                    TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 1999

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise to pay 
special tribute to a true American patriot from Ohio's Fifth 
Congressional District, Jake H. Van Meter, Jr.
  On October 7, 1967, Jake H. Van Meter, Jr. paid the ultimate 
sacrifice while protecting the values and ideals of democracy. On that 
fateful day, some thirty-two years ago, Sergeant Jake H. Van Meter, Jr. 
was serving as squad leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry. 
His Army unit was sent to the Con Thien area in the Republic of Vietnam 
to help relieve an outpost of United States Marines. During their 
mission, his unit came under heavy and intense enemy fire during an 
attack on the Marine outpost.
  During the firefight, Sergeant Van Meter demonstrated extreme bravery 
as he exposed himself to fierce enemy fire to draw attention away from 
his troops and enable them to take cover. With several of his men lying 
wounded, Sergeant Van Meter left his position and began removing them 
from the field of fire. In his efforts to save the lives of his men, 
Sergeant Van Meter was wounded, but he continued until they were pulled 
to safety.
  At approximately two o'clock in the afternoon, while laying down a 
heavy amount of covering fire in the midst of the firefight, Sergeant 
Jake H. Van Meter, Jr. was killed by enemy gunfire. He was just twenty-
four years old. For his gallantry in action and in keeping with the 
highest traditions of military service and the United States Army, 
Sergeant Jake H. Van Meter, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Silver 
Star on March 15, 1968.
  Jake Van Meter was an ordinary young man from LaGrange, Ohio when he 
entered the United States Army. He lived on Factory Street and worked 
as a die cast operator for General Motors Corporation. However, when 
Jake was drafted, he accepted his responsibility, and began his duty in 
Vietnam on October 22, 1966. Unfortunately, his tour of duty was to 
have ended just 12 days after his death.
  Mr. Speaker, the story of Jake H. Van Meter, Jr. should make our 
hearts swell with admiration and pride. He courageously placed his life 
on the line for his men and his country. He fought for America, for 
democracy, and for freedom, and paid the supreme price for the 
preservation of those principles.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Veterans Day, let us remember the men 
and women who have served in our armed forces. It is often said that 
America prospers due to the unselfish acts of her sons and daughters. 
Jake Van Meter's brave actions in Vietnam demonstrate that statement 
very clearly. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying 
special tribute to Jake H. Van Meter, Jr.--a faithful husband and 
father, a loving son, and a true American hero.

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