[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PAYING TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM SKIVINGTON, SR., AND WILLIAM SKIVINGTON, JR.

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor both William 
Skivington, Sr., and William Skivington, Jr., for their service in the 
United States Armed Forces. William, Sr., and William, Jr., are being 
honored today at Nellis Air Force Base as part of the 2006 POW/MIA 
National Recognition Day ceremonies.
  Private First Class William Skivington, Jr., or ``Skip'' as most 
referred to him, disappeared on Mother's Day in 1968 during a ground 
battle near the Laotian border. Thirty-eight years after being declared 
missing-in-action, his remains have finally been returned to his 
family. A graduate of Western High School, William, Jr., was presumed 
killed or captured after his observation post at Kham Duc was overrun 
by a brigade of North Vietnamese soldiers and Viet Cong. For his 
bravery and service William, Jr., was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple 
Heart and a number of medals from the Government of Vietnam, he will be 
laid to rest with his fellow American heroes at Arlington National 
Cemetery.
  William, Jr., learned the value and honor of service from his father, 
William, Sr., who served our country with bravery and nobility in the 
European Theater during World War II. For his valor, William, Sr., was 
highly also decorated. I applaud Bill not only for his service to this 
country, but also for his support for all prisoners of war and missing 
in action and their families, and his dedication to his son, William, 
Jr. He is currently raising money to preserve an olive tree, The 
Freedom Tree, which was planted in 1972 and dedicated to his son, and 
all POW/MIA.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor William Skivington, Sr., and William 
Skivngton, Jr. Their service in our Nation's armed services is 
admirable and shows that they are both true patriots and American 
heroes.

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