[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H3542-H3543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MEDAL OF HONOR FOR SERGEANT GARY McKIDDY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation fights a war overseas, we once 
again see firsthand how the loss of a loved one to war affects family 
members and friends and those who are left behind.
  Over 30 years ago, too many families went through the experience of 
losing a loved one to the Vietnam War. One such family was that of Gary 
McKiddy. Sergeant McKiddy was a helicopter crew chief and gunner with 
the 1st Cavalry Division of the Army during the Vietnam War. He 
volunteered for the Army when he was just 19 years of age and 
specifically requested that he join his country's soldiers in Vietnam.
  Gary quickly earned the deepest respect of his fellow crewmen for the 
patriotism that he showed as he went into battle and the courage with 
which he fought. Gary won his first medal on his first mission, and he 
continued to serve in this courageous and honorable way until his 
death. Gary McKiddy had a reputation among his fellow men for rising to 
any challenge and putting loyalty and honor at the heart of his 
service. One man who served alongside Gary once called him a credit to 
his country and one of the finest men he had ever met and served with 
in the Army.
  Prior to his death he was awarded the Air Medal, the Army 
Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for heroism, the National 
Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Aircraft Crewman 
Badge, and the Marksman Badge for his many heroic actions.
  Yet his most courageous act came in Cambodia on May 6, 1970, when his 
helicopter came under intense enemy fire, receiving several damaging 
hits that ultimately caused the helicopter to crash. Gary McKiddy was 
thrown from the aircraft, but he immediately returned to rescue a co-
pilot, Specialist Four James R. Skaggs, taking him to safety and saving 
his life.
  Despite intense heat and flames and tremendous risk to his life, Gary 
then returned to the helicopter a second time and attempted to save the 
pilot. Tragically, the helicopter's fuel tank then exploded and both 
the pilot and Gary were killed. Sergeant Gary McKiddy was posthumously 
awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, the 
Purple Heart, and the Good Conduct Medal for his actions that fateful 
day. There is no doubt that his bravery and self-sacrifice earned him 
this recognition; yet he was denied the Medal of Honor.
  I feel very strongly, Mr. Speaker, that Sergeant McKiddy should 
receive the Medal of Honor for all his heroic actions and particularly 
for his selfless rescue of Specialist Skaggs and his courageous attempt 
to rescue his pilot.

[[Page H3543]]

I have no doubt that his actions qualify him for this award. After all, 
if saving someone's life does not earn one the Medal of Honor, then 
what does? Sergeant McKiddy made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for 
his country and protect his fellow man. His distinguished service 
deserves the highest honor. I know Sergeant McKiddy's family, and I 
know how much this honor would mean to them. After more than 30 years, 
they are as committed as ever to receiving the appropriate recognition 
of Gary's service. I too am committed to doing all that I can to ensure 
that Sergeant McKiddy receives the Medal of Honor. As a Vietnam-era 
veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, I know in my heart the 
honor in answering a nation's call to serve and the value of this 
service.
  I have heard from Gary's relatives, his close friends, and the man he 
saved, Specialist Skaggs. They too know in their hearts the ultimate 
gift that Gary and our other lost soldiers gave to us. I believe the 
Army should reverse its decision and award Sergeant Gary McKiddy the 
Medal of Honor that he deserves, and I pledge to Gary's family and 
friends that I will continue to fight alongside them to see that Gary 
receives this honor. The Congressman from Dayton, Ohio (Mr. Hall), has 
been very active in this effort for many, many years, and we pledge 
together to work to make this happen.
  May we all keep in our prayers those men and women who are serving 
our Nation overseas today. Like Gary, they show us through their 
courage and strength what it means to be an American.

                          ____________________