[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 136 (Friday, September 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       BILL LANSFORD: WAR HERO AND CHAMPION FOR HISPANIC VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2007

  Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, if the United States were a house, our 
veterans would be its foundation. The structural integrity of our 
homeland has always relied on the selfless service and sacrifice of the 
women and men in our Armed Forces. Today I rise to honor a veteran, war 
hero, resident of the 36th congressional district, and my friend--
retired Marine Corps Sergeant and Army combat correspondent Bill 
Lansford.
  The Second World War required endurance and courage from our Nation. 
Normal lives were put on hold, and the future of democracy rested on 
the shoulders of America's young soldiers. As a 20 year-old Marine, 
Bill Lansford fought his way through the Pacific Theater--at 
Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Iwo Jima, three of the bloodiest battles 
of the war. Bill served with ``Carlson's Raiders,'' an elite Special 
Forces unit, and earned numerous decorations for valor in combat.
  The conclusion of World War II would not mark the end of Bill's 
military service. He joined the Army to write radio shows for the Armed 
Forces Radio and Television Service, would that would be interrupted by 
the Korean War--and his transfer to the 11th Airborne Division where he 
ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant.
  The bonds that Bill Lansford forged in battle influenced his life, 
and he has devoted himself to representing the interests of Hispanic 
veterans, particularly through the work of the American GI Forum--which 
celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. Through membership and 
service, Bill has made a major contribution to the Forum's success. In 
Los Angeles, he is working to install a monument to recipients of the 
Hispanic Congressional Medal of Honor. And an upcoming PBS documentary 
on World War II will feature him and a fellow ``Carlson's Raider'' 
discussing their wartime experiences.
  Bill is married to the wonderful Ruth Lansford, an environmental 
activist and local legend in her own right. As founder of the Friends 
of Ballona, Ruth has been instrumental in preserving the beautiful 
Ballona Wetlands located in my district. The couple resides in Playa 
Del Rey, California.
  I am proud to have Bill Lansford as a constituent, and pleased to 
commend him for his patriotism and lifelong service to country and 
community.

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