[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEFENSE OF FREEDOM MEDAL WINNER GARY YORK

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to publicly recognize Mr. 
Gary York of Yankton, SD, for receiving the Defense of Freedom Medal.
  There was little doubt that active-duty military members killed or 
injured in a hostile attack would receive the traditional Purple Heart, 
but the Defense of Freedom Medal marks the first time in United States 
history that civilians have been formally recognized for wounds 
received in combat. This medal exemplifies the principles of freedom 
and defense of the freedoms upon which our country was founded.
  Gary is not just a good friend, he is also a dedicated worker. He 
currently serves as the power plant senior controller at Yankton's 
Gavin's Point Dam. Answering the President's call to volunteer his time 
in Iraq, he left for Iraq in September and was overseeing a crew of 
workers who were rebuilding 400,000 volt power lines running from power 
plants to switchyards in Baghdad.
  While spending Christmas Eve in Iraq, away from his family and 
friends and the comforts of home, Gary sustained wounds to the head and 
shoulder while traveling in a convoy near Balad. The convoy was 
attacked by unknown assailants using small firearms. Two Iraqi security 
guards traveling with the convoy were killed in the attack.
  It is with great honor that I share Mr. York's tremendous 
accomplishments with my colleagues. He is a true patriot, and America 
is deeply grateful for his service.

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