[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S1061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO HOWARD BILLIMAN, JR.

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay homage to 
Howard Billiman, Jr., a decorated war hero, proud father and 
grandfather, and loyal servant of this country. It is with profound 
sympathy and respect that I commemorate the passing of this honorable 
man. He exemplified the true spirit of an American hero, humbly willing 
to place his loyalty to this country before his own life.
  Howard will be remembered as one of the celebrated Navajo Code 
Talkers of World War II, a dedicated Marine of the 2nd Marine Division 
who answered his country's call to duty and served with distinction.
  In reflection of his life, Howard's family has said that he never 
forgot his roots, beginning in the small town of Buell Park, Arizona. 
He grew up in a small town, attending schools at Ft. Defiance and Ft. 
Wingate, hardly known by most outsiders. Howard, at the young age of 
16, voluntarily enlisted in the Marine Corps, leaving behind his 
family, town, and childhood. He would face trials that would change his 
life forever.
  As one of 420 Navajos selected by the military, Howard quickly 
excelled, and was appointed as one of the first instructors of the 
Navajo Code Talkers. With other young Navajos, Howard helped to create 
an unbreakable code that baffled the Japanese. Military experts now 
estimate that these code-talking efforts shortened the war in the 
Pacific by at least one year--and some have even speculated that the 
war may have turned out differently, had it not been for their heroic 
deeds.
  During World War II, Howard participated in every campaign of the 2nd 
Marine Division including the invasions of Saipan, Tinian, the Battle 
of Okinawa, and the occupation of Japan at Nagasaki. Howard did not 
seek credit nor praise, but quietly and modestly amassed a memorable 
record of brave acts and passionate service to his country and family. 
As a tribute for his valiant service, Howard received numerous awards 
and honors including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, a 
Presidential Unit Citation with Star for Combat Action at Tarawa, the 
Navy/Marine Corps Occupation service Medal, and the Purple Heart for 
wounds received in combat. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on 
January 18, 1946.
  After returning to the Navajo reservation, Howard settled down at 
Buell Park and then Sawmill, where he raised 10 children with his 
spouse, Mary Louise. He later became a proud grandfather of 42 
grandchildren.
  In later years, as a member of the Navajo Code-Talkers Association, 
Howard received several more awards during travels with the group to 
Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. He was the last surviving original 
Navajo Code Instructor.
  Until recently, the American public was not aware of the tremendous 
sacrifice and contribution of Howard and other Code Talkers. Without 
the Navajo Code Talkers, one can only imagine what tragedies might have 
occurred at that pivotal time in history. As Americans, we owe a debt 
of gratitude to the sacrifices of selfless patriots like Howard whose 
noble service teaches us valuable lessons of duty and honor.
  Howard Billiman, Jr. will be missed by his family and friends, but 
his remarkable courage and patriotism will be long remembered by his 
country.

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