[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MR. THOMAS LITTRELL OF PLAINVILLE, KS

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas 
Littrell of Plainville, KS. This recognition is not just long overdue, 
it is 38 years overdue. Tom Littrell, like many Vietnam veterans, may 
not consider himself a hero. Today it is my privilege to share the 
story of an unsung hero, my friend and fellow Kansan, Tom Littrell.
  When Tom was sent to serve in Vietnam as a young soldier, he left 
behind his family and friends in Plainville and headed to a combat zone 
in Southeast Asia. As a member of the second platoon of the 919th 
Combat Engineers attached to the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, Tom 
joined a new family--one forged by shared service in an unfamiliar 
territory.
  He began his tour of duty by courageously volunteered as a driver of 
an APC tank. His fellow platoon member, Doug Giesige, describes Tom's 
job as ``the most vulnerable a man could routinely do in our unit. Our 
enemies would place their land mines on the side of the road that 
corresponded with the driver's side of the track. Our drivers would be 
located directly over such explosions and as such, they would suffer 
the most casualties and injuries of any of us on these tracks. It was 
hard to demand that a man do this every day, thus all were doing this 
as willing volunteers. It takes a special breed of man to do this job. 
Knowing that he was as vulnerable as you can be, day in and day out. 
They all tended to be hard working and pretty hard nosed and reliable. 
Stubborn, actually.''
  Tom also served as a demolitionist and mine sweeper. He and his 
fellow soldiers experienced ambush and encountered land mines 
regularly. During this time, Tom was involved in five incidents where 
his tank hit landmines. While some soldiers were sent to the rear and 
treated for their injuries following such incidents, Tom was not. As 
driver of the tank, he knew the importance of his role. He was treated 
in the field for his injuries and went back to work. His sense of duty 
to his fellow soldiers meant more to him than his own comfort. As Doug 
Giesige recalled, ``On April 2, 1970 our platoon was involved with a 
24-hour ordeal that cost us multiple injuries. The final action of the 
day involved our track hitting a mine and being the focus of an ambush 
just after dark. All of us were blown off the track except Tom and 
Lieutenant Livinggood. Sometime during the firefight, Tom went out 
after Staff Sergeant Russell under heavy fire and dragged him back to 
the track.''
  Tom exemplified the best of those who serve our country--sacrifice, 
courage, and bravery. Tom would tell you he was just doing his job when 
he served in Vietnam, but to the men he served with. it was more than 
that.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Tom Littrell's 
courageous service today. We also acknowledge the support of his wife 
of 36 years, Charlotte, and their children, Jason, Amanda and Renee. 
And although it is decades past its due, we offer a few simple words to 
Mr. Thomas Littrell of Plainville, KS. Thank you, my friend, thank you.

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