[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF ARMY SPC. CLINTON GERTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage of a 
young hero from my district. On February 19, 2005, the Department of 
Defense declared that Specialist Clinton Gertson (United States Army, 
24th Infantry Division) was killed in the line of duty after being hit 
by a sniper in Mosul, Iraq. Gertson's unit was scanning a Mosul 
neighborhood when he was shot around 2 p.m. Gertson was deployed to 
Iraq last October along with 4,000 other soldiers in the Fort-Stryker 
Brigade. His unit had been assigned to be one of the leaders in the 
fight against insurgents in Mosul.
  Gertson, or ``Big Country,'' was described by fellow soldiers as 
well-respected, someone who would always come to the aid of a fellow 
soldier and who remained even-keeled, even in the face of extreme 
danger.
  Gertson demonstrated these qualities when 60 insurgents attacked his 
unit on November 11. Despite being injured himself, Gertson helped 
other soldiers who were more seriously injured to safety. Gertson again 
demonstrated this same heroism when a suicide bomber blew himself up 
inside the Forward Operating Base Marez mess hall in December. After 
the explosion went off, Gertson rushed to the aid of his wounded 
Company Commander, taking him to a nearby field hospital. Gertson's 
courage and leadership were qualities his fellow soldiers drew strength 
from and admired.
  Gertson told his father he hoped everyone knew the sacrifices that he 
and the other soldiers were making and asked his father to remind 
people that freedom is not free.
  The American people know the sacrifices Gertson, like many other 
soldiers, made to his country and his memory will not be in vain. I am 
proud to honor Specialist Gertson's service to the state of Texas where 
he entered the service, and to the United States of America. He will 
not be forgotten.

                          ____________________