[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TRIBUTE TO FERNANDO LUIS GARCIA, EURIPIDES RUBIO, JR., CARLOS JAMES 
                    LOZADA AND HECTOR COLON SANTIAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday June 6, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to the 
deeds of four distinguished servicemen, who were honored on Friday, May 
26, 2000 by the Puerto Rican Parade of Paterson 2000/Desfile 
Puertorriqueno, Inc. 2000 in coordination with Memorial Day. It is only 
fitting since these soldiers, Fernando Luis Garcia, Euripides Rubio, 
Jr., Carlos James Lozada and Hector Colon Santiago are among the 3,400 
plus brave men that have merited the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor 
is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that 
can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the 
United States. The Medal is generally presented to its recipient by the 
President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it 
is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor. The world lost four 
truly remarkable people when these four brave men perished while in the 
line of duty.
  Fernando Luis Garcia served as a Private First Class in the United 
States Marine Corps, Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine 
Division. He entered the service in San Juan Puerto Rico. He was born 
on August 14, 1929 in Utuado, Puerto Rico.
  The stellar life of Fernando Luis Garcia was cut short when he was 
killed in Korea on September 5, 1952. An excerpt from his citation 
notes, ``He was intrepid in his service as a member of Company I, in 
action against enemy aggressor forces. PFC Garcia unhesitatingly chose 
to sacrifice himself for the life of another Marine. His great personal 
valor and cool decision in the face of almost certain death, sustain 
and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Services. 
He gallantly gave his life for his country.''
  Euripides Rubio, Jr. attained the rank of Captain in the United 
States Army in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 
28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, RVN. He entered the service at 
Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico. He was born on March 1, 1938 in Ponce, 
Puerto Rico.
  The military exploits of Euripides Rubio were marked with bravery and 
valor. He started his tour of duty on July 10, 1966 and lost his life 
on November 8, 1966 in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. He was 
28 years old. His citation shows he was feted for, ``Braving withering 
fire, aiding the wounded, unhesitatingly assuming command and 
selflessly exposing himself to enemy fire. Captain Rubio's singularly 
heroic act turned the tide of battle, and his extraordinary leadership 
and valor were a magnificent inspiration to his men.'' His name can be 
found on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC on the wall 
panel 12E, row 44.
  Carlos James Lozada served his country at the rank of Private First 
Class in the United States Army, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd 
Airborne Brigade. He entered the service in New York City, New York. He 
was born on September 6, 1946 in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
  The venerable Carlos James Lozada began his tour of duty on June 11, 
1967. He was struck down, while missing, at the age of 21. He died on 
November 20, 1967 in Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. Part of his citation 
reads, ``PFC Lozada apparently realized that if he abandoned his 
position, there would be nothing to hold back the surging North 
Vietnamese solders and that the entire Company withdrawal would be 
jeopardized. He made this decision realizing that the enemy was 
converging on three sides. His heroic deed served as an inspiration to 
his comrades throughout the ensuing four-day battle.'' His name is 
inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall panel 30E, row 45.
  Hector Colon Santiago's rank was Specialist Fourth Class. He served 
in the United States Army, Company B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry 
Division. He entered the service in New York City, New York. He was 
born on December 20, 1942 in Salinas, Puerto Rico.
  A remarkable individual, Hector Colon Santiago began his tour of duty 
on October 23, 1967. He died at the age of 25 on June 28, 1968 in Quang 
Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. A portion of his citation states, 
``Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon distinguished himself at the 
cost of his life while serving as a gunner in the mortar platoon of 
Company B. He heroically sacrificed himself to save the lives of those 
who occupied the foxhole with him, and provided them with the 
inspiration to continue fighting until they had forced the enemy to 
retreat from the perimeter.'' His name is etched in the wall of the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial on panel 54W, Row, 13.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the Puerto Rican 
Parade of Paterson 2000/Desfile Puertorriqueno, Inc. 2000, Puerto Rico, 
the United States and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable 
achievements and sacrifices of Fernando Luis Garcia, Euripides Rubio, 
Jr., Carlos James Lozada and Hector Colon Santiago. Each of these men 
was cited for, ``Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of 
his life above and beyond the call of duty.''

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