[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 98 (Thursday, July 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PAYING TRIBUTE TO COLONEL MICHAEL V. PALATAS

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to the life and passing of Colonel Michael Palatas of Pueblo, 
Colorado. Michael was one of Colorado's most decorated veterans and as 
his family mourns his passing, I think it is appropriate to remember 
his life of dedicated service before this body of Congress and this 
nation.
  Michael bravely answered his nation's call to service in 1941, when 
he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a Second Lieutenant, 
he fought battles in the Pacific theater during World War II. During 
the Korean War he served as a platoon leader in five major battles. A 
few years later, Michael served as a commanding officer for the 1st 
Battalion, 9th Marines and later an executive officer for the 9th 
Marine Regiment in the Vietnam War. In recognition of his valiant 
actions on the battlefield, Michael received several awards from the 
military, including: a Silver Star, a Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star, 
two Purple Hearts, six Presidential Unit Citations, a Combat Action 
Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, two Navy Unit Commendations and a 
Meritorious Unit Commendation. After thirty-four years of dedicated 
service, he and his family settled on his ranch in Lake George, 
Colorado. Later, they moved to Colorado Springs and eventually to Rye, 
Colorado. Outside his military life, he actively participated in his 
church.
  Mr. Speaker, Michael Palatas was a pillar of his community and he 
will be sorely missed. His pride for his nation was demonstrated in the 
many years he spent in active duty for our nation's military. At this 
difficult time of bereavement, I express my deepest regrets and 
sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Palatas.

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