[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E149-E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF GEORGE SMALL'S SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
of a great American, George Small. I honor him today for his service to 
our great Nation in the United States Army during World War II.
  Mr. Small entered active duty from the Army Reserves as a 2nd 
Lieutenant on April 25, 1941. After receiving training at the Army's 
Chemical Warfare School, he became Base Chemical Officer in 
Albuquerque, New Mexico. From Albuquerque, Mr. Small was transferred to 
Clark Airbase until he was ordered to Bataan in the Philippines on 
December 24, 1941.
  Mr. Small was assigned to the 31st Infantry until the surrender of 
Bataan on April 9, 1942.

[[Page E150]]

Prior to the 31st Infantry's surrender, Mr. Small was suffering from 
malaria and malnutrition caused by the malaria. He was released just 3 
days before he began what would become known to history as the Bataan 
Death March. Although weak, Mr. Small survived the death march and the 
17-day journey in the infamous ``Hell Ships'' to Japan.
  While being held by the Japanese, Mr. Small's weight declined to 
approximately 98 pounds. He was held as a Japanese Prisoner of War for 
3 years and 5 months until his liberation on September 10, 1945.
  Mr. Small was awarded the American Defense Service Medal with one 
Bronze Star, an American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign 
Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Unit Badge with two Oak 
Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Philippine Liberation 
Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal, and the 
POW Medal for his meritorious service.
  Mr. Small was discharged from the Army on November 26, 1946 and 
decided to stay in the Army Reserves until his retirement as a Major on 
March 1, 1968. Mr. Small will celebrate his 98th birthday on February 
24, 2006. Mr. Small's will to survive and dedication to the United 
States Army is a testament to his character, and it is an honor to 
recognize him today.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I 
salute a great American hero, George Small, for his service and 
dedication to our great Nation.

                          ____________________