[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO VICE ADMIRAL JAMES B. STOCKDALE

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                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale, a true American patriot and a 
great military veteran. Vice Admiral Stockdale passed away on July 5, 
2005 at the age of 81 after a life of public service and sacrifice. He 
is survived by his beloved wife Mrs. Sybil B. Stockdale of Coronado, 
Calif., and his four sons.
  I believe Gordon R. England, the Secretary of the Navy, eloquently 
described the legacy Mr. Stockdale has left behind: ``Admiral 
Stockdale's courage and life stand as timeless examples of the power of 
faith and the strength of the human spirit.''
  I could not agree more and would like to share a few details of his 
extraordinary life. Vice Admiral Stockdale was born on Dec 23, 1923 in 
Abingdon, Ill. At the age of 24 he graduated from the U.S. Naval 
Academy in the Class of 1947 and began his unmatched naval career. 
Among his many distinctions, Vice Admiral Stockdale is remembered for 
his remarkable leadership as the senior naval officer held in captivity 
during the Vietnam War.
  On September 9, 1965, after flying more than 200 missions over 
Vietnam, he ejected over a small village after his plane was struck by 
anti-aircraft fire. He broke his left knee during the landing and it 
was broken a second time during his captivity.
  During his 7\1/2\ year imprisonment, Vice Admiral Stockdale was 
tortured numerous times, was forced to wear heavy leg irons for over 
two years and spent four years in solitary confinement.
  But his spirit and determination to survive never wavered. Despite 
the torture and abuse, he refused to participate in enemy propaganda 
films. Vice Admiral Stockdale's extraordinary heroism became widely 
known when he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1976, only three years 
after his release.
  His 26 combat awards included two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the 
Distinguished Service Medals, two Purple Hearts and four Silver Stars. 
He is a member of the Navy's Carrier Hall of Fame, the National 
Aviation Hall of Fame and an Honorary Fellow of the Society of 
Experimental Test Pilots. Stockdale received several honorary doctoral 
degrees.
  He is the highest-ranking naval officer to wear both aviator wings 
and the Medal of Honor. His other accomplishments include earning a 
master's degree from Stanford University and serving at the prestigious 
institution's Hoover Institute for 15 years. He was also President of 
the Citadel for two years.
  In 1992, he was a candidate for Vice President of the United States 
winning nearly 20 percent of the popular vote.
  Mr. Speaker, I introduce this resolution today to recognize the great 
sacrifices Vice Admiral made protecting the freedoms of the United 
States and to recognize his commitment to public service. I would also 
like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family Mr. Stockdale left 
behind, including his wife and four sons.
  His life serves as an inspiration to the many servicemen and women 
protecting our country at home and abroad. Vice Admiral Stockdale was 
admired and respected for his courage and unfaltering determination.

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