[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOHN WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero. 
John Walker of Pagosa Springs, Colorado is a World War II veteran and a 
survivor of the Bataan Death March. John recently received the Purple 
Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. I am pleased to share his story 
here today.
  John, like so many of his generation, heeded the call of his country 
and fought for the United States during World War II. He was captured 
by the Japanese and survived the brutality of the Bataan Death March 
and three and a half years in prison camps, including Camp O'Donnell. 
John has a strong will to survive and made it through the terrifying 
ordeal to return home safely.
  John could have easily become consumed by hatred over the way he and 
his fellow servicemen were treated, but rather John triumphed over that 
hatred and learned to forgive his former captors. John has even gone to 
Japan four times to help build churches there.
  Mr. Speaker, on August 26th, John Walker was awarded the Purple Heart 
and the Prisoner of War Medal. These awards are certainly well 
deserved, and I join with my colleagues in saluting him. John, your 
bravery and dedication are an inspiration. Thank you, and 
congratulations.

                          ____________________