[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1176-E1177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         LTC RICHARD WANDKE ARMY RANGER HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and to pay 
tribute to U.S. Army Ranger LTC Richard ``Tex'' Wandke (Ret) of 
Cypress, CA, on his induction into the Ranger Hall of Fame for 
exceptional valor and honor throughout his distinguished 25-year 
military career.
  In 1963, LTC Wandke graduated as the Distinguished Military Student 
from the University of Maine, then went on to complete Ranger school 
and was assigned as a platoon leader for the Fourth Infantry Division. 
He then volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam, and was assigned 
as an advisor to the 43rd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion.
  During, his service, LTC Wandke earned various honors for his actions 
in combat, including two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, Three 
Bronze Stars and Three Purple Hearts. He also earned the Distinguished 
Service Cross through his valorous conduct in commanding his company on 
a search and destroy mission in Vietnam on May 27, 1969. When one of 
the rifle squads under his command surprised seven enemy soldiers and 
opened fire, hostile reinforcements soon arrived in huge numbers and 
unleashed tremendous firepower on his company's perimeter. LTC Wandke 
rallied his men to break the enemy assault, and then directed all of 
the able men under his command to establish a landing zone to evacuate 
the wounded. Although wounded himself, LTC Wandke stayed behind to 
protect the dead and critically wounded, and prevented the enemy from 
overrunning his position.
  Since retiring from active service in 1988, LTC Wandke has been 
teaching high school ROTC. He is also active in several veterans 
organizations and was the National commander of the Legion of Valor 
from 1995-1996. Through his service both on the battlefield and off, he 
has exemplified the Ranger Creed: Rangers Lead the Way!

[[Page E1177]]

  Mr. Speaker, I can think of no individual more deserving of inclusion 
in the Ranger Hall of Fame than LTC Richard ``Tex'' Wandke. I believe 
that every American owes LTC Wandke a debt of gratitude, and that he is 
a singularly excellent role model for all Rangers. I congratulate him 
on his impressive accomplishment and encourage him to continue his 
service to the community.

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