[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2007-E2008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING RAY PITTMAN, OF MOBILE, ALABAMA, FOR HIS SERVICE DURING 
                              WORLD WAR II

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to 
recognize Mr. Ray

[[Page E2008]]

Pittman of Mobile, Alabama, for his courageous service during World War 
II. His heroic story, along with other Mobilians, is told in Ken Burns' 
documentary series ``The War.''
  Mr. Pittman was working in Mobile for his father's carpentry business 
when he enlisted in the Marines. Trained to be a member of a demolition 
team that assaults enemy ``strong points'' in advance of the rifleman, 
he was assigned to the 4th Marine Division, 20th Marine Engineers.
  In February of 1944, he and his division were fighting in the 
Marshall Islands before landing on Saipan. After securing the island, 
they invaded Tinian. Pittman lost 50 pounds in the five months he spent 
on these two islands. By February of 1945, he was promoted to sergeant 
and put in charge of his own demolition team. On February 19, 1945, 
Sgt. Pittman and his squad landed on Iwo Jima. The squad of 16 was left 
with only three men by the end of the battle.
  Mr. Pittman's daughter, Beth Harrison, put it best in her article for 
the Hattiesburg American, ``Dad has always said he has lived 62 years 
more than he should have and has often wondered and marveled at why his 
life was spared. Now, at age 84, Ken Burns will tell his story.''
  Madam Speaker, the recognition of Mr. Ray Pittman in ``The War'' 
documentary is an appropriate time for us to pause and thank him--and 
all of the soldiers who fought in World War II. They personify the very 
best America has to offer. I urge my colleagues to take a moment to pay 
tribute to Mr. Pittman and his selfless devotion to our country and the 
freedom we enjoy.

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