[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF DONALD VICKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute 
to a fine American and great Texan, Mr. Donald Vickers of Blossom, TX.
  In 1942, at the age of 16, Donald Vickers felt the need to fight for 
his country during World War II. He left his home in Blossom and joined 
the Army, and his service to his country lasted 31 years and 7 months, 
during which time he fought in World War II, Korea, the Cuban conflict, 
and Vietnam.
  This fine gentleman, who is revered by friends and family and 
lovingly called ``Papa Donald'', received his early training at Camp 
Shelby, MS, and soon after was sent to fight in North Africa. Later he 
trained in England and was a part of the fateful landing on D-Day, 
during the Normandy Invasion. He served in the European theater 
operation from 1943 to 1945, being assigned to a Tank Destroyer 
Battalion. In 1946 he re-enlisted and later served in Korea as an 
advisor to the 59th Republic of Korea Army Tank Company. During the 
Cuban conflict he was deployed off Cuba in the LST's, which were ready 
to land both men and equipment. His first tour in Vietnam from December 
1965 to December 1966 was with the 25th Infantry Division, 69th Armor 
Battalion. After serving stateside in 1967, he was assigned to serve 
with the Military Advisors Corp in Vietnam from December 1968 to 
December 1969. His other tours of duty included Germany and Hawaii. 
Stateside, he served in Mississippi, Kansas, Georgia, California, New 
Jersey, New Mexico, and later, back home in Texas, before he retired 
from the service in August 1974.
  Donald Vickers, now Sergeant Vickers, has been awarded numerous 
decorations during his many years of service. These include the Combat 
Infantry Badge, Purple Heart with 2 Clusters, Bronze Stars with V 
device and 2 Clusters, ARCOM with 3 Clusters, Good Conduct Medal with 
Silver Bar and 1 Leaf, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 3 Bronze 
Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, European and Middle Eastern Campaign 
Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Korean 
Service Medal. In addition, he has received written commendations from 
his commanding officers which reflect their recognition of his courage, 
his patriotism, leadership and dedication to his country, his men, and 
the Army.
  Mr. Vickers has been married for many years to Mary Jo Vickers. They 
have 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. It was one 
of their granddaughters, Mrs. Cassidy Fuess, of Denton, TX, who in her 
devotion to her grandfather and desire to share his history with 
others, contacted me to tell his story. My thanks to Cassidy, her 
grandfather, and their family for their devotion to those values that 
Americans hold dear--love of their country and love for their family. I 
am proud that they are from my district, and I appreciate the 
opportunity to recognize Sgt. Donald Vickers and his family today.

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