[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 103 (Monday, July 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1395-E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING VERNON JOSEPH CHARRON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, freedom, as we know, is not free and 
requires large doses of perseverance, dedication and sacrifice. Since 
his extensive tour of duty with the Navy during some of the most 
tumultuous times in World War II, Vernon Joseph Charron Jr. has 
traveled to numerous schools and other settings to inspire the youth of 
America with a similar passion for the United States that he holds. 
Vernon is a man who has aided the battle of freedom and I would like to 
take this opportunity to recognize his service to our country.
  ``Vern'' was awestruck at the sight of his ship arriving at Pearl 
Harbor in 1942. The battle cruiser U.S.S. Atlanta was the ship that 
would be his home during the ensuing conflict. Located on the island of 
Guadalcanal and three months after the main conflict there, the 
Americans held a rudimentary airstrip called Henderson Field. Surprise 
confrontations and unplanned attacks stemming from the Japanese still 
plagued the island and resulted in many casualties. Obtaining and 
maintaining control of the waters surrounding the island was critical, 
and it is here that one of the most gruesome battles occurred and 
Vernon fought. On the night of November 12, 1942, as 14 ships from the 
Japanese fleet attacked the Henderson Field, the U.S.S. Atlanta and 12 
other U.S. ships confronted the aggressors. After the battle, the area 
would be known as ``Ironbottom Sound'' due to the number of casualties 
and sunken debris. Twenty-seven ships attempted to destroy each other.
  The U.S.S. Atlanta, by the end, had been hit 49 times before it 
ultimately sank. Although Vernon was the thirteenth man in his crew, he 
was the only survivor. Amidst flame and further attack, the U.S.S. 
Atlanta lost 170 men that night and although men of this generation

[[Page E1396]]

were taught not to cry, a tear fell from Vern's eyes as he recounted 
the demise of this great ship and her crew. Only upon further 
examination did we discover that Vernon went from one firestorm to 
another because he also served in the battle of Midway and also in the 
Solomon Island Campaign. During these momentous times and occurrences, 
Vern was only 17 years of age.
  Following the trials of war, Mr. Charron was employed by the Russell 
Stover Candies company and continued his position there for 49 years. 
While the USS Atlanta rests below 80 fathoms of water near Guadalcanal, 
Vern uses his experiences to light the fires of patriotism in youth to 
perpetuate the great spirit of America. His service is commendable as 
he gave of himself unselfishly to our remarkable nation. I applaud him 
and thank him for his efforts. He has certainly demonstrated the cost 
of freedom and his teachings will persist as testaments to America.

                          ____________________