[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING HARRY BLOWEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Harry Blowey and his contributions to this country. Harry 
began his service to our nation in the 1940s, serving in the Navy in 
the Pacific theatre during World War II, and today I would like to 
honor his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Harry was aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Bismarck Sea, during 
the battle for Iwo Jima when his ship was hit by two Japanese 
kamikazes. The explosions broke the ship in half, and as the ship sank, 
Harry lowered himself down a line and jumped into the water, keeping 
himself afloat for five hours before he was rescued. Harry's ship was 
the last American aircraft carrier sunk in World War II.
  Harry also served as a belly-gunner during the battles for Leyte and 
Luzon in the Philippine Islands, earning the Distinguished Flying 
Cross, a Navy and Marine Corps medal for heroism, and three air medals 
for special combat missions. Now Harry is continuing to serve his 
country by sharing his story with his neighbors and the Veterans' 
History Project, ensuring that his experiences will be permanently 
archived at the U.S. Library of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Harry Blowey for his 
service to this country. He served selflessly during a time when our 
country was in great need. His actions have brought great credit to 
himself and his nation, and his willingness to share his story with 
posterity will benefit generations to come. Thanks, Harry, for your 
service to this nation.

                          ____________________