[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO WILLIS AVERY

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 86 year old Willis 
Avery, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense 
of freedom while serving in the United States Navy.
  Willis served in the United States Navy in World War II as a Chief 
Pharmacist's Mate aboard the USS Solace, a hospital ship moored to the 
battleship USS Arizona. Willis was aboard the Arizona during the 
Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He courageously 
ignored the flames and assisted the wounded and helped transfer them to 
the USS Solace and other ships nearby. The Officer of the Deck ordered 
Willis and his partner off the Arizona. He witnessed the explosions of 
the USS Arizona. The day after the attack, Willis was among the Naval 
personnel who retrieved the bodies of the dead and readied them for 
burial.
  While in the service, he played the saxophone and clarinet in a dance 
band and put on comedy skits along with USO entertainer Joe E. Brown to 
entertain fellow troops. He was an escort to the First Lady, Eleanor 
Roosevelt when she visited New Zealand.
  Today, Willis is one of the few remaining survivors of the attack at 
Pearl Harbor and he is truly part of the ``Greatest Generation.''
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Willis Avery for his heroic 
service in the United States Navy. His dedication to this country in 
the theater of war and his devotion to his fellow troops' morale are 
truly commendable. I laud the sacrifices he has made to protect our 
freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his 
service.

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