[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 92 (Friday, June 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF FAIRNESS TO ALL VIETNAM VETERANS ACT

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                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2003

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague from Long 
Beach, CA, Ms. Juanita Millender-McDonald to introduce the ``Fairness 
to All Vietnam Veterans Act.'' This legislation directs the Secretary 
of Defense to report to Congress an appropriate way to recognize and 
honor Vietnam veterans who died in service of our Nation, but whose 
names are not listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Our retired 
colleague, Steve Horn, championed this legislation in the 107th 
Congress, and I am honored to carry on his good work.
  I was moved when I learned the story of the 74 Navy men who died on 
the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans who are not listed on the Vietnam 
Veterans' Memorial Wall.
  For those who are not familiar with this story, in the spring of 
1969, the destroyer Evans sailed from the Port of Long Beach, CA to 
Vietnam. After experiencing fierce combat off the coast of Vietnam, the 
Evans was sent to a brief training exercise called ``Operation Sea 
Spirit'' with over 40 ships of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization.
  On the morning of June 3, 1969, the crew of the Evans awoke to the 
sounds of its hull splitting in half. Inexplicably the Australian 
carrier, Melbourne, had rammed the American destroyer Evans. The 
forward half of the ship sank within 3 minutes, taking 74 sailors with 
it. Although they were in the South China Sea, these lost sailors have 
been excluded from the wall because their sunk vessel was just outside 
the designated combat zone that determines inclusion on the Vietnam 
Veterans' Memorial Wall.
  Although these men did not die in direct combat, they were 
instrumental in forwarding American objectives in Vietnam and 
participated in conflict just days before the collision that claimed 
their lives. In reviewing the historical and personal records of the 
Evans, I see a story of valor and patriotism, and, for 74 sailors, the 
ultimate sacrifice for their country.
  Mr. Speaker, examining the important role these men played in the 
Vietnam conflict, I believe my colleagues will agree that those who 
died deserve the honor of being listed on the Vietnam Veterans' 
Memorial Wall.
  Unfortunately, the case of the Evans does not just pertain to the 
families of the 74 soldiers who perished in June of 1969. Those who 
were stationed on the Evans, including eastern Connecticut's Bill 
Thilbeault of Norwich, are proud survivors of the accident and look 
forward to the day when their shipmates are finally given their 
recognition of service and sacrifice on the Wall.
  My colleague Ms. Millender-McDonald and I believe it is time for the 
Department of Defense to examine current policies for placement on the 
Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall. Our legislation asks for a complete 
study of the current standards and for an examination of those who 
died, such as the 74 sailors on the Evans, which seem appropriate for 
inclusion on the wall.
  The Fairness to All Vietnam Veterans Act has the support of the Frank 
E. Evans Association, as well as hundreds of family members across the 
country, hoping to see loved ones properly recognized. And Senator Ben 
Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado champions companion legislation in the 
Senate. I urge my colleagues to support and pass this bipartisan and 
long overdue piece of legislation.




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