[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 1 (Thursday, January 4, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H41]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LIEUTENANT (JG) GERALD FORD

  (Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, during the great World War II, the U.S. 
aircraft carrier Monterey faced its fiercest naval battle, not with the 
Imperial Japanese Navy, but the storm of the sea, Typhoon Cobra.
  A naval lieutenant (jg) answering the call to action motivated the 
crew to combat against the Cobra's bone-crushing waves, torrential 
rains, and consuming fires it caused on board the ship.
  Refusing the order to abandon the ship, this warrior valiantly went 
below, marching into the mouth of the fire, rescuing those trapped 
within its grasp. He ignored the searing heat of the flames and the 
blackness of the smoke. Hour upon hour this man led others in the 
charge to extinguish the demon fire, saving fellow sailors and 
officers.
  He did not seek recognition in the darkness of 1944; it sought him. 
When it called, this naval officer answered in a manner of all American 
patriots, with courage, valor, and victory.
  Twenty-nine years later, this same individual helped rescue an entire 
Nation from the fire of corruption and war. And he brought peace. His 
name was President Gerald Ford, and we thank him.
  And that's just the way it is.

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