[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1657-E1658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL CHARLES COMPTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2004

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Corporal Charles Compton, a World War II veteran who resides in the 
Fifth Congressional District of Florida.
  On August 16, 2004, I had the pleasure of recognizing Corporal 
Compton for his heroism and bravery as a U.S. Marine who fought in the 
Second World War from May 1943 until November 1945.

[[Page E1658]]

  After serving his country for just over a year fighting in the 
Pacific, Corporal Compton was injured in a blast in June of 1945. The 
force of the blast knocked him unconscious. He was evacuated to a 
hospital ship but returned to the front lines to continue fighting the 
enemy.
  I presented Corporal Compton with the Purple Heart, the oldest 
military decoration in the world, more than 50 years overdue.
  Though he earned this honor, he never received it from the Defense 
Department and I am honored to have the opportunity to present to him 
the Purple Heart for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the 
United States.

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