[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE LATE SERGEANT JAMES P. CONNOR, DELAWARE MEDAL OF HONOR, 
                               RECIPIENT

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                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late 
Sergeant James P. Connor, Delaware's 14th Medal of Honor winner and the 
only Medal of Honor recipient to be buried at the Delaware Veterans 
Memorial Cemetery in Summit, Delaware.
  This medal was presented to Sergeant Connor, in honor of his 
distinguished service to this country during WWII. The Medal of Honor, 
since its inception after the Civil War, remains the country's highest 
military decoration.
  Sergeant Connor was Delaware's only living Medal of Honor recipient, 
having received the medal for his dedication and leadership to his men 
on a campaign to protect an Allied landing during WWII. After being 
seriously wounded by a hanging mine, Sergeant Connor continued to lead 
his troops onto a French beach, in order to knock out the German 
positions. In the midst of additional assaults, Sergeant Connor's 
troops achieved their objective and captured 40 prisoners. Following 
his retirement from the military, Sergeant Connor continued to be very 
active in helping to ensure that other Delaware veterans would be 
remembered.
  On November 13, 2002, the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs 
will hold a ceremony to dedicate the circular drive and unveiling of a 
historical marker at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in honor 
of Sergeant James P. Connor.
  Mr. Speaker, allow me to recognize today, Sergeant James P. Connor, 
for his valor and commitment to his Country and as an outstanding 
United States citizen and Delaware resident.
  At a time when our Country is facing the possibility of war, it is 
very fitting for us to remember Sergeant James P. Connor, a soldier who 
was tremendously dedicated to preserving our Country's freedoms. His 
commitment to the United States during World War 11 has earned him a 
permanent place in Delaware's and our Country's history, and I want to 
commend and thank his family for sharing his tale of heroism with us.

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