[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H6539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
        IN MEMORY OF JOHN WATTERS WRIGHT, CORPORAL, WORLD WAR II

  (Mr. LARSEN of Washington asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life 
of John Watters Wright. I had the privilege of meeting John 3 short 
years ago when I was able to present a commendation and his Bronze Star 
he had earned in World War II.
  In 1944, as a soldier in World War II, actually as a marine in World 
War II, John was badly wounded during a sniper attack. Despite serious 
injuries, he kept fighting. He destroyed the enemy sniper's nest, 
saving himself and the lives of others in his division. His CO 
recognized John's heroism and promised to cite him for a deserved medal 
to commemorate his actions.
  In 2003, I had the privilege of presenting John with the awards that 
he had earned 59 years earlier. So nearly 60 years after his self-
sacrificing actions, the United States finally acknowledged the heroism 
he displayed in World War II with a Bronze Star, but it was an 
acknowledgment delayed far too long.
  Corporal Wright died last month, and as we honor the life of Corporal 
Wright, we are challenged by his patriotism. He challenged us not only 
to recognize our veterans, but he challenged us to care for our 
veterans when they come home from deployments. He challenged us to 
defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights without question, but do 
that through debate and sometimes dissents.
  So I stand today to honor the life of Corporal John Watters Wright, 
who is truly an American hero.

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