[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT WINFORD EVANS AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 
                      DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2002

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, March 30th, a great soldier 
and leader was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, 56 years after 
its authorization.
  Sadly, the recipient, SSG Winford Evans, who fought for this country 
in World War II passed away in 1991. However, the U.S. Army presented 
the award, along with two others, to his family during a ceremony held 
in Sikeston, Missouri.
  SSG Evans earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic 
action during a July 1945 battle in the Southwest Pacific Theater. 
Seeing his platoon leader wounded, SSG Evans disregarded enemy fire and 
brought the leader to safety. As the battle progressed, he directed 
mortar attacks and was wounded but continued to fight. Less concerned 
with his own immediate safety than with defending those around him, he 
positioned himself within 25 yards of the enemy, threw hand grenades, 
fired on the enemy and wounded and killed several enemy soldiers.
  In addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, SSG Evans was awarded 
two Bronze Star Medals. The first has an oak leaf cluster and the other 
one has a ``V'' device. These two medals were awarded to SSG Evans for 
his heroic achievements in the Asian Pacific Theater from 1943-1945.
  This May as we take time to celebrate Military Appreciation Month, it 
seems fitting that we recognize men and women in uniform like SSG 
Winford Evans. His sacrifice, along with the sacrifice of so many 
others who stood in harm's way to defend our country, remind all of us 
of the selfless valor of our military men and women. I am hopeful, 
particularly during this time of military action abroad, that others 
will reflect on the service and dedication of those who came before SSG 
Evans and those who will come after him and hold in their hearts an 
appreciation and admiration for their actions and desire to secure 
peace and freedom for all of us.
  Mr. Speaker, on this very special occasion, I ask that all of my 
colleagues join me in recognizing and remembering SSG Evans and extend 
our best wishes to his family as they remember his service to the 
United States of America.

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