[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E50]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING PFC GARFIELD M. LANGHORN, MOH

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                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, our brave men and women in 
uniform are all heroes. But the exceptional few who make the supreme 
sacrifice to protect the lives of their brothers-in-arms become more 
than heroes; they become legends. Today, I rise to honor U.S. Army 
Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn, a resident of Riverhead in 
Eastern Long Island who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic 
actions in Pleiku Province, Vietnam, 40 years ago this month.
  As they attempted to rescue the crew of a downed helicopter, PFC 
Langhorn's unit was trapped under intense enemy fire. As night fell and 
U.S. air support was called off, enemy fighters began to probe their 
perimeter. The citation for PFC Langhorn's Medal of Honor reads:
  ``An enemy hand grenade landed in front of PFC Langhorn and a few 
feet from personnel who had become casualties. Choosing to protect 
these wounded, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade, scooped 
it beneath his body and absorbed the blast. By sacrificing himself, he 
saved the lives of his comrades. PFC Langhorn's extraordinary heroism 
at the cost of his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of 
the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and 
the U.S. Army.''
  Madam Speaker, PFC Langhorn's sacrifice half a world away remains a 
credit to the Riverhead community, which is proud to celebrate his 
achievements on the 40th anniversary of his death. May his example 
continue to inspire all those who aspire to service ``beyond the call 
of duty.''




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