[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL ``DOC'' DUNPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize a brave American veteran, Michael A. Dunphy, Jr., of 
Greenville, NY, who was awarded the Bronze Star this past February 4th 
at a West Point ceremony.
  Moreover, I am honored to attend a ceremony on June 17th, 2000, at 
the Greenville Town Hall in Greenville, NY, in which the people of New 
York will be able to express their appreciation for the contributions 
of ``Doc'' Dunphy.
  On February 4th, 1969, Michael ``Doc'' Dunphy was a 20 year-old 
Private First Class serving as a combat medic with 3rd Platoon of C 
Company in the rice paddies of Vietnam. That day his platoon was 
ambushed and when he heard the calls for medical attention from his 
comrades, he rushed through a wall of machine gun fire and mortar 
attacks to reach the wounded. This courageous display of valor in the 
face of oncoming fire is a testament to the patriotism and esteemed 
character of Michael Dunphy. His actions on the field of battle saved 
the life of a man who is now a Tennessee State Trooper.
  Michael Dunphy is the recipient of several military awards for his 
service to the United States including the Combat Medic Badge, Army 
Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart. Mr. Dunphy is now employed at 
the Middletown Psychiatric Center and he and his wife, Cheryl, are the 
proud parents of four children.
  I would also like to commend Colonel Thomas Bedient on his 
persistence in making sure ``Doc'' Dunphy received the Bronze Star, 
which was delayed due to a bureaucratic mistake. At the ceremony on 
February 4th, ``Doc'' Dunphy said: ``America didn't do very well saying 
thanks to our soldiers.'' Mr. Dunphy is correct in that sentiment, and 
by bestowing this award to him we are thanking an individual who went 
above and beyond the call of duty from his country.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join in congratulating Michael 
``Doc'' Dunphy, Jr., on receiving the Bronze Star and thank him for his 
valor and heroism in serving our Nation.

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