[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10382-S10383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   IN HONOR OF ALDERMAN JAMES BALCER

 Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I rise today to honor a man who 
has served not only the City of Chicago with tireless dedication but 
who has served his county with selfless valor. Alderman James Balcer is 
a hero by any definition, and the Bronze Star recently pinned to his 
chest is only a token symbol of a life marked by bravery and service.
  The people of Chicago know Jim Balcer as Alderman Balcer, 
representing the 11th ward on the City Council. They know him as a 
strong advocate for the city's veterans and as an effective voice for 
his community. Few know more about military history or are more 
dedicated to understanding the challenges facing those who have fought 
for our country. During his four years on the city council, Alderman 
Balcer has worked tirelessly for his constituents and sung their 
praises without so much as a note from his own horn.
  But long before he was Alderman Balcer, Jim was Pfc. Balcer in the 
U.S. Marine Corps. As an 18-year-old soldier more familiar with the 
streets of his home area of Bridgeport than the jungles of southeast 
Asia, Balcer was a member of the 9th Marine Regiment during the Vietnam 
War. In late February of 1969, Pfc. Balcer and his company were holding 
their position on a hilltop in the A Shau Valley in Laos. As a group of 
the soldiers descended into the valley below on a reconnaissance 
mission, enemy fire erupted from the dense foliage, trapping the group 
in a hail of bullets and shrapnel.
  With dozens of young Marines killed and wounded at the bottom of the 
hill, it was Pfc. Jim Balcer who volunteered to lead the mission to 
rescue them. Through that long Laotian night, in the pouring rain and 
deep, treacherous mud, Balcer made trip after trip into the valley to 
reach his fallen comrades. Half-hour descents through the jungle were 
followed by nearly four hours of backbreaking climbs up steep and 
slippery embankments, under enemy fire and carrying makeshift 
stretchers made from ponchos.
  Thanks to Pfc. Balcer and his fellow Marines, every member of the 9th 
Regiment who went into the valley that night in 1969 came out. The 
Bronze Star is given to soldiers who distinguish themselves ``by heroic 
or meritorious achievement or service . . . while engaged in an action 
against an enemy of the United States or while engaged in military 
operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.'' 
Ordinary language to describe extraordinary courage, but hardly enough 
to describe the actions of someone who to this day still tells his own 
story without a hint of bravado.
  The City of Chicago is fortunate to have someone so tenacious and 
selfless on its side. Alderman Jim Balcer is as dedicated to Chicago 
and its people now as he was to his fellow soldiers then. A man of 
integrity and honor, he is to be commended on receiving the Bronze 
Star. Wear it proudly, Jim, for we are proud of you.

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