[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 19 (Monday, February 23, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                   tribute to spec joshua l. knowles

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to SPEC 
Joshua L. Knowles of Sheffield, IA who courageously gave his life for 
his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the 10th Iowan to be 
killed since the start of hostilities in Iraq. My deepest sympathy goes 
out to his parents, Sandy and Les, and his two sisters, Breanna and 
Michelle, as they deal with their loss. SPEC Joshua Knowles graduated 
from Sheffield-Chapin/Meservey-Thornton High School in 1999 where he 
played football. He enlisted in the Iowa National Guard 1133rd 
Transportation Company out of Mason City, IA, on February 18, 1999 and 
served as a motor transport operator. Specialist Knowles was killed on 
Thursday, February 5, 2004, when the cab of the military cargo truck he 
was riding in was hit by mortar fire as the convoy passed through 
Checkpoint 6 at the Baghdad International Airport. He was in the cab 
with fellow Iowan, SPEC Peter Bieber of Nora Springs, who was also 
injured in the attack. Specialist Knowles will be honored posthumously 
for his patriotic service to his country with the Purple Heart as well 
as the Bronze Star, which is awarded for members of the military who 
distinguish themselves ``by heroic or meritorious achievement or 
service while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United 
States''. In a press statement, Specialist Knowles' family recalled a 
shirt that he had sent them from Iraq. The shirt says, ``U.S. Soldiers 
Never Die, They Just Take Cover Until the Next Mission'' which they 
said exemplified his attitude toward military service. We can all be 
proud of this exceptional Iowan and I know he will be greatly missed by 
all those who knew him. In giving the ultimate sacrifice for his 
country, Specialist Knowles showed himself to be a true hero and 
patriot. I again want to express my sympathy for his family and my 
gratitude for his courageous service.

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