[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNITION OF FRANK McDUFFIE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroism of Mr. 
Frank McDuffie of Richmond County, North Carolina. Mr. McDuffie joined 
the Navy in 1935 at a time when America was trying to recover from the 
Great Depression and Europe was in turmoil. Even in 1940, the war 
raging in Europe seemed distant and surreal. Yet on that infamous day 
in early December, 1941, Mr. McDuffie experienced the dark reality of 
war. Serving as a machine gun operator and a cook aboard the USS 
Nevada, Mr. McDuffie was stationed below the water line of the ship as 
Japanese bombers shelled Pearl Harbor. As the United States was 
violently thrust into World War II, Mr. McDuffie peered through the 
ship's window to see the Rising Sun flying overhead and felt the bombs' 
vibrations rumbling through the Nevada. Tied to the USS Arizona and the 
USS Oklahoma, the Nevada managed to cut loose while withstanding the 
onslaught of rapid machine gun fire and torpedo explosions. However, 
the damage to the ship was extensive enough that the ship had to run 
aground to avoid sinking at sea. Although the Nevada faired better than 
the Oklahoma and the Arizona, both of which sank due to extensive 
damage, she survived with a gaping hole.
  Nearly 60 years after that foreboding day in December, 1941, I stand 
today before you to honor Mr. Frank McDuffie. Mr. McDuffie is 
illustrative of the Greatest American Generation--a generation of 
ordinary men and women asked to do the extraordinary. He joined the 
Navy to defend the United States and its citizens, to protect the 
freedoms and liberties we deem natural and God-given. Men like Mr. 
McDuffie, ordinary citizens willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for 
their country, provided the foundation on which America grew to become 
a great nation of unsurpassed international leadership and influence. 
Veterans like Mr. McDuffie are genuine American heroes. Mr. McDuffie's 
experience is a reminder that this country was built on the sacrifices 
of the brave men and women who served in the military to protect our 
country and preserve our freedom.

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