[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF A GREAT AMERICAN SOLDIER: MR. ELTON L. HATLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ERNIE FLETCHER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2002

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to stand here today 
to recognize a great soldier and a great American, Mr. Elton L. Hatler. 
On May 2, 1945, Mr. Hatler was serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman 
of Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, 
action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands.
  Private Hatler's platoon had been forced to withdraw in the face of 
heavy enemy fire. Although Private Hatler had suffered wounds from the 
enemy fire, he refused to leave the side of a Marine whose legs had 
been blown off below the knee. Private Hatler held off the enemy for 
three grueling hours, attempting to drag his fallen comrade to the 
safety of American lines. It was only after the man succumbed to his 
wounds, and Private Hatler had expended his ammunition, that he 
abandoned his position.
  In a citation directed by the Secretary of the Navy on behalf of the 
President of the United States, Private Elton L. Hatler was awarded the 
prestigious Distinguished Navy Cross, stating that ``His personal valor 
and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the 
United States Naval Service.''
  The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs will again honor Mr. 
Hatler, a resident of Winchester, Kentucky, at a special ceremony on 
July 26, 2002.

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