[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 4 (Thursday, January 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       WORLD WAR II VETERAN AND PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR, DON BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 27, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
Don Brown. He is a man that has shown his loyalty and bravery to this 
great country. Mr. Brown served in the Armed Forces during World War II 
and was aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia when Pearl Harbor was attacked 
on that fateful day in December of 1941.
  Mr. Brown was in the first division compartment when the first 
torpedoes and bombs hit the battleship. He tried to move onto the deck, 
but was prohibited because of the attack. Don was injured and 
transported to the U.S.S. Solacc for recovery.
  Don's family, however did not know that he was transported for 
recovery. Don's parents knew the ship had sunk, and that they had not 
heard from their son in 19 days. On December 26, however, they received 
the best late Christmas present they could have ever hoped for, the 
knowledge that Don was alive.
  Years later, Don and his wife, Skie, moved back to Grand Junction 
after spending time in Las Vegas. Mr. Brown served as Mesa County 
planning director between 1963 and 1966.
  Don is part of a generation that many think saved civilization as it 
is known today through their efforts in World War II--what some have 
called the greatest generation.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I say thank you to Don Brown for 
his display of loyalty to his country and bravery in the face of war to 
preserve the freedom that we all enjoy today. He is a great American 
that deserves our highest regard, thanks and praise.

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