[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 9 (Thursday, January 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E97-E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING MAJOR JOHN P. PRYOR, MD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN H. ADLER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 15, 2009

  Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, on Christmas Day, 2008, an 
enemy mortar round struck the living quarters of Major John P. Pryor, 
MD, in Mosul, Iraq where he was stationed while on his second tour of 
duty as an Army Reservist. Major Pryor died of his wounds.
  Major Pryor was widely recognized as one of our country's finest 
trauma surgeons. On the battlefield, he fought to save the lives of

[[Page E98]]

countless soldiers and Marines. Here at home, he served just as 
valiantly in his capacity as the director of the trauma department at 
the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his life, 
Major Pryor demonstrated an uncommon commitment to our community and 
our country. On 9/11, he hitched a ride to New York City in an 
ambulance so that he could lend a hand in one of our greatest hours of 
need. Shortly thereafter, when America went to war, he volunteered for 
military service because he felt a patriotic duty to heal wounded 
soldiers. Time and again, Major Pryor was there when we needed him 
most.
  Major Pryor's absence has been deeply felt by his family, his fellow 
soldiers, the HUP community, and by all those whose lives he touched. 
Across our country, we share their grief.
  Soldiers like Major Pryor remind us that the price of war cannot be 
measured just in dollars, or in territory, or even in the number of our 
patriots who never return home. It must also be measured with the 
valor, the potential, and the devotion of those we have lost. Within 
our military are heroism and courage beyond measure, and while the 
presence of these heroes makes our Nation stronger, the loss of any 
servicemember is all the more painful, for when they give their lives, 
the promise of their lives is lost as well.
  We give thanks for the life of John Pryor. We mourn his loss. We 
offer our prayers to his family.

                          ____________________