[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 132 (Wednesday, September 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I was recently informed of the passing of 
MSG Al Bland, USAF Ret. This distinguished veteran of the United States 
Air Force served his country admirably for 20 years. His military 
career included service during World War II, where Master Sergeant 
Bland was ordered to beach defense on the Bataan perimeter. Captured at 
Bataan in April of 1942, Master Sergeant Bland survived the Bataan 
Death March, carrying another soldier for most of the journey. As a 
POW, Bland was imprisoned at Camp O'Donnell in the Philippines, later 
on a Japanese Hell Ship and finally in Manchuria. He was finally 
released from prison camp in 1945, after three torturous years. As a 
result of his combat, he was 100 percent service related disabled.
  The list of awards Master Sergeant Bland received for his valiant 
service include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Upon completing 
his service, Master Sergeant Bland became a leader on POW related 
issues for many years. He was instrumental in establishing the 
Andersonville National Park and was awarded the POW Medal by President 
Reagan in 1988. I was fortunate enough to work with Master Sergeant 
Bland and more importantly call him a friend. Master Sergeant Bland was 
a true patriot and he will be sorely missed and by a grateful nation.

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