[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF JOHN C. BANUELOS FOR HIS SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO OUR 
                                 NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to John C. 
Banuelos, in memory of his service to the community as a loyal citizen 
and as a proud member of our Armed Services during World War II.
  Mr. Banuelos was born on January 26, 1921. He and his three brothers 
were Pioneer Farmers from Orange County. The four brothers went on to 
serve together in the Army during World War II. John served in the 
South Pacific theatre of operation where he led reconnaissance missions 
in the jungles of the Philippines and Japan. Some of his most notable 
experiences included personally meeting General Douglas MacArthur and 
befriending his family. Toward the end of the War, he participated in 
the guarding and transportation of gold and currency shipments seized 
from Japan. As ground force squad leader ``761,'' John led a group of 
12 men who escorted generals from Tokyo to camps, inspected quarters 
for families of military personnel, and made reports on inspections.
  Always proud but reserved and modest about his military experiences, 
John was awarded the expert M-1 classification in February of 1945, 
later receiving a personal letter on behalf of the United States from 
President Harry Truman. In addition, Staff Sergeant Banuelos' 
meritorious achievements included receiving the Victory Medal of Honor, 
the Asiatic Campaign medal, and a Good Conduct medal. Mr. Banuelos and 
his family are truly a distinguished part of our nation's military 
history.
  Mr. Banuelos will be remembered for his service to our country and 
the community. As his Representative in Congress and as a member of the 
Armed Services Committee, I am proud to recognize John C. Banuelos for 
his contributions to our nation.

                          ____________________