[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           HONORING NICK GRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the bravery of a great American, Nick Gray, who fought for 
the United States in World War II and survived the attack at Pearl 
Harbor and the battle at Guadalcanal. Mr. Gray now resides in Montrose, 
Colorado.
  Mr. Gray and the rest of the 25th Infantry Division were stationed in 
Hawaii at the time of the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. 
He awoke to the sounds of 351 Japanese attack planes destroying the 
base around him. Nick and his captain narrowly escaped the destruction 
by finding refuge in a river that swept them off the island of 
Guadalcanal and threw them into the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Nick 
fought the currents of the ocean throughout the day before making 
collapsing near the shore where he was pulled ashore by a comrade. 
Thousands of Americans were lost that day, but Nick Gray survived and 
continued to fight for our nation in the Pacific. He took part in the 
historic Guadalcanal campaign and the march to Tokyo. Many more 
Americans lost their lives during the war, but Nick fought valiantly 
and survived. However, Nick's good friend, Marion Burch, lost his life 
in the Pacific shortly after the two had the opportunity to spend some 
time together. Now at the age of eighty-two years old, Nick enjoys a 
more peaceful life in Colorado.
  Mr. Speaker, Nick Gray courageously fought for our country. From the 
surprise attack at Pearl Harbor through the end of WWII, Mr. Gray 
remained steadfast in serving the United States. We are indebted to him 
for his bravery and perseverance during a time of mayhem and struggle. 
It is my honor to thank and pay tribute to Mr. Gray for defending our 
nation and preserving American freedoms.

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