[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT JOSE M. LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2002

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a special South 
Texan, Sergeant Jose M. Lopez, recipient of a World War II 
Congressional Medal of Honor. For his courageous and selfless actions 
on the battlefield, this man is truly a great American patriot.
  In response to the call of duty, Sergeant Lopez almost single 
handedly engineered his company's successful withdrawal under heavy 
enemy small arms fire near Krinkelt, Belgium on December 17, 1944. On 
his own initiative, he repeatedly repositioned his heavy machine gun to 
critical points along his company line, which led to over one hundred 
enemy deaths and saved the lives of numerous American soldiers. For 
these efforts, Sergeant Lopez deserves the admiration and gratitude of 
the American people.
  It is especially appropriate that we honor this soldier today on 
America's Independence Day. Although the American colonists were 
victorious in the revolutionary war two hundred nineteen years ago, the 
American pursuit of liberty did not end there. Throughout the past two 
centuries, young Americans like Sergeant Lopez have fought to preserve 
our country's values both inside and outside its borders. In this 
struggle, one of our most valuable resources has been our soldiers and 
their dedication to upholding American ideals.
  This July 4th, as we celebrate the birth of our beloved nation and 
all it means to us in the 21st century, we must acknowledge the brave 
and selfless actions of dedicated American soldiers like Sergeant 
Lopez. Through his courageous military service, Sergeant Lopez has done 
his part to ensure that America may celebrate its independence year 
after year.
  This year, we will honor Sergeant Lopez with a statue in front of the 
Veterans Memorial Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, to commemorate his 
contribution to American military history. Thanks to brave soldiers 
like Sergeant Lopez, we retain our freedom and we protect democracy 
around the world. I ask all my colleagues to join me in commending 
Sergeant Lopez's sacrifice for our nation.

                          ____________________