[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MR. DEAN STANLEY SHELTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to honor Staff Sergeant 
Dean Stanley Shelton who proudly served in the United States Army and 
recently received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals of honor.
  Raised in Kansas, Mr. Shelton was drafted on February 8, 1951 at age 
twenty-one, and first served in Germany. During his time there he met 
his soon to be wife, Greta. Once his service abroad was completed, Mr. 
Shelton came back to the United States and was stationed at Fort 
Custer, Michigan where he received an Honorable Discharge on January 
30, 1955.
  However, due to his dedication and love of service, Mr. Shelton re-
enlisted in the Army on June 27, 1955. Once again duty sent him to 
Germany, South Korea, and South Vietnam.
  It was in Vietnam, assigned to Company A, Fourth Engineering 
Battalion, Fourth Infantry Division, where Staff Sergeant Shelton 
sustained injuries during combat. On March 26, 1968, the Third 
Battalion Fire Support Base came under intense enemy ground, rocket, 
and mortar attack. During these events, Specialist Shelton sustained 
injuries while positioned in a bunker defending the base perimeter.
  Although his fellow soldiers and the U.S. Army recognized his 
personal bravery, due to his severe medical condition and evacuation to 
U.S. hospitals, there was unfortunately not time to present his medals 
when they were actually awarded. On the battlefield, Shelton showed 
uncommon valor, dedication, and sacrifice that cannot be instilled in 
training.
  Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of attending an awards ceremony on April 
8, 2002, when Mr. Shelton finally received his medals. This nation has 
not forgotten his tremendous service. I would like to thank Staff 
Sergeant Shelton in keeping with the highest tradition of armed 
service, and selflessly defending the lives of his fellow soldiers.

                          ____________________