[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 9, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1192-S1193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     Corporal Timothy Gibson, USMC

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to remember and honor Cpl 
Timothy Gibson of Hillsborough, New Hampshire for his service and 
supreme sacrifice for his country.
  Corporal Gibson demonstrated a willingness and dedication to serve 
and defend his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. Just 
as many of America's heroes have taken up arms in the face of dire 
threats, Tim dedicated himself to the defense of our ideals, values, 
freedoms, and way of life. His valor and service cost him his life, but 
his sacrifice will have spared millions from lives of tyranny and 
sorrow.
  Tim graduated from Merrimack High School in Merrimack, NH in 2000 and 
enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 9, 2001. He then reported to 
Marine Corps recruit training and subsequently received further 
training as a rifleman in the infantry. Upon completion of this 
training, he became a member of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd 
Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base 
Hawaii. From this unit's home base in Hawaii, he would later deploy to 
Iraq in pursuit of those who would threaten our way of life.
  Tragically, on Januaury 26, 2005, Cpl Gibson gave his last full 
measure for our Nation when the CH-53E helicopter he was in crashed 
near Ar Rutbah, Iraq. Throughout his short career, Tim earned a series 
of accolades which testify to the dedication and devotion he held for 
the Marine Corps, his fellow Marines, and his country. Tim's hard work 
and dedication contributed greatly to his unit's successes and placed 
him among many of the great heroes and citizens that have given the 
ultimate sacrifice for their country. Tim was recognized for his 
service by the Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct 
Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service 
Deployment Ribbon, Second Award, and the National Defense Service 
Medal. He was also the recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation, a 
Letter of Appreciation, and Meritorious Mast for his performance above 
and beyond expectations while in the Marine Corps.
  My condolences and prayers go out to Tim's family, and I offer them 
my deepest sympathies and most heartfelt thanks for the service, 
sacrifice, and example of their Marine, Cpl Timothy Gibson. Tim 
exemplified the words of Daniel Webster who said, ``God grants liberty 
only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend

[[Page S1193]]

it.'' Because of his efforts, the liberty of this country is made more 
secure.

                          ____________________