[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING RETIRED SGT. BOB LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2004

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World War lI veteran, 
retired Sgt. Bob Lewis. Lewis was an 18-year-old Army recruit in Camp 
Fannin, Texas, when his captain dropped a grenade during a 
demonstration. Lewis rolled onto it with his helmet, and then tossed it 
into a nearby ditch where it exploded into bits of shrapnel. Had the 
grenade gone off where it was dropped, he says, it likely would have 
injured or killed many of the 29 infantrymen watching the 
demonstration.
  It was 1945, shortly after U.S. troops defeated Germany in World War 
II, but after Japan surrendered and, at the time, Lewis thought nothing 
of his heroic act.
  The long-since-retired technical sergeant, who went on to become a 
well-known Fremont educator, has not received any recognition or medals 
for his heroic efforts to save the members of his infantry, while still 
a young recruit.
  Because Lewis' act took place nearly 60 years ago, securing the 
necessary documentation would require months of research. An eyewitness 
would be almost impossible to locate as most of Lewis' fellow soldiers 
and superior officers have died.
  Lewis may be eligible for the Soldier's Medal, which is awarded for 
an act of heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. For the 
time being, Lewis who once guarded 1,400 German prisoners in 
Bazencourt, France, says he is content with the small green patch, 
emblazoned with a gold wreath, on his Army jacket. It's a meritorious 
service unit citation, awarded to his outfit for postwar service.
  Lewis not only distinguished himself during his military career but 
also in his profession as an educator. He worked as principal of 
Chadbourne, Patterson and Niles elementary schools and assistant 
superintendent of the Fremont school district.
  I join retired Sgt. Bob Lewis' family, friends and admirers in 
applauding him for his meritorious military service and contributions 
to our country and to his community.

                          ____________________