[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE LATE KENNETH MICHAEL KAYS

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2007

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Kenneth 
Michael Kays. Mr. Kays, a native of Fairfield, Illinois was a recipient 
of the Congressional Medal of Honor. A monument in his memory is being 
dedicated on May 5, 2007 in Fairfield, Illinois.
  Mr. Kays, a Private First Class in the United States Army, was cited 
for his heroic action in Thua Thien province, Republic of Vietnam, on 
May 7, 1970. His rank at that time was Private and he was serving as a 
medical airman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division 
near the Fire Support Base Maureen.
  When enemy forces assaulted Company D's night defensive position, 
Private Kays began assisting his fallen and injured comrades. In 
assisting his fellow soldiers, he became a target and enemy fire and 
explosive charges severed the lower portion of his left leg. Private 
Kays applied a tourniquet to his leg and continued to search the 
perimeter and help his fellow soldiers who were injured. Private Kays 
did not allow himself to be treated until his fellow soldiers had been 
treated for their own wounds. He was cited with the Congressional Medal 
of Honor for his heroism.
  My thoughts and prayers will be with the family and friends of 
Private First Class Kays as the monument is dedicated in his honor. May 
God bless his memory and may He continue to bless America.

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