[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 124 (Thursday, September 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LANCE CORPORAL JOSHUA BUTLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2005

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and distinguish 
one of America's finest--United States Marine Lance Corporal Joshua 
Butler of Altoona, PA. Butler, who dreamed of being a U.S. Marine since 
he was four years old, protected hundreds of his fellow comrades from 
suicide bombers mounting an attack with trucks, explosives and no 
regard for human life.
  Butler was stationed in Iraq along the Syrian border, and while 
guarding the base's perimeter from a lookout tower his post was 
attacked. Butler sprayed the first suicide bomber with 20 or 30 rounds 
causing him to veer off at the last moment to miss his target. The 
truck, filled with explosives and manned by a suicide-mission 
insurgent, crashed through the improvised barrier the Marines had built 
up along the edge of the base. After being knocked down by the blast, 
Lance Corporal Butler remained focused, alert and ready. Through the 
smoke of the blast, he saw a red, suicide-driven fire engine coming 
toward the base. Butler fired 100 rounds onto the vehicle. After the 
truck was hit by a grenade, launched by Pfc. Charles Young, its 
explosives were detonated outside of the base but within 50 yards of 
Butler. Debris from this blast sprayed the length of 4 football fields 
and knocked down soldiers as far as 200 yards away. But no Marines were 
seriously hurt, including Butler.
  Lance Corporal Butler's actions saved the lives of hundreds of his 
fellow Marines and marked a significant victory against the insurgents 
in Iraq. The suicide bombers mission was thwarted by Butler's 
courageous and timely reaction. An estimated 21 insurgents were killed 
that day while 15 were reported wounded.
  Lance Corporal Butler--You are a U.S. Marine and a hero, and across 
the country Americans are proud of your leadership. Thank you for 
serving when your nation called.

                          ____________________