[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 75 (Monday, June 10, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5283-S5284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE THIRD RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of 
the dauntless history, honor, and tradition of the 3rd Reconnaissance 
Battalion, U.S. Marines, whose lineage traces back nearly 60 years of 
valiant service to our great Nation.
  The contribution of the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion is embodied in 
the sign placed on top of the Battalion Mess Hall at Camp Reasoner 
which reads: ``We Lead the Division--Where the Division Goes We've 
Been!''
  While enjoying brief periods of respite, it was formed in September 
1942. It was sent immediately to the Pacific Theater and participated 
in World War II campaigns at Bougainville, Solomon Island, Guam, and 
Iwo Jima. It was reactivated in March 1952 and deployed to Camp Gifu, 
Japan and later to Camp Hauge, Okinawa. Being reactivated again in 
April 1958, it was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine 
Force. During Vietnam the unit was highly decorated with four Medals of 
Honor, 13 Navy Crosses, 86 Silver Stars, and many Purple Hearts awarded 
to Marines and Sailors. Additionally, the unit itself was awarded 
President Unit Citations, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious 
Unit Commendation, and earned other praise and recognition, as well.
  While the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion has existed under different 
designations, its adherence to whatever

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mission assigned is without question. We cannot take lightly their 
meritorious service to our Nation. Nor, can we ever forget their 
admirable and routinely valiant actions both individually and 
collectively. They were not only pivotal to a successful combat effort, 
but to establishing and maintaining the legacy for which the 3rd 
Reconnaissance Battalion may be justifiably proud.
  I join in expressing the respect, admiration, and grateful 
appreciation of our nation as members of the 3rd Reconnaissance 
Battalion Association gather for their reunion next month in Arlington, 
VA.

                          ____________________