[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT WILLIAM W. PRIOR, SR. OF BROOKSVILLE, 
                                FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2009

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor an American hero and Purple Heart recipient, William W. Prior, 
Sr. of Brooksville, Florida. Wounded by an enemy torpedo during an 
engagement in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, Mr. Prior's service to 
our Nation will forever be remembered by this Congress.
   Born in Tampa, Florida, Mr. Prior spent the early part of his career 
as a commercial fisherman and was one of five brothers who joined the 
military during World War II. As someone who loved the sea, when it 
looked like America might become involved in the war, Mr. Prior joined 
the United States Navy. Two of his brothers joined the Army, and two 
joined him in the Navy. While he was hoping to be stationed on a small 
boat, Mr. Prior was assigned as an aviation radioman and went to 
Seattle, Washington to begin his service. From there he and his crew 
were sent to Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
  After just a few months on the job, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor 
and the Alaska military members were placed in the midst of some 
Pacific Coast fighting. While many Americans are not aware of this 
fact, part of the Aleutian Island chain in Alaska was occupied by the 
Japanese during World War II. On August 30, 1942, Mr. Prior's ship the 
USS Casco was anchoring in harbor at Nazan Bay close to an island under 
control of the Japanese. It was at that time that his ship was struck 
by a torpedo, and Mr. Prior was wounded by shrapnel and knocked 
unconscious. His former squadron commander found him and flew Mr. Prior 
back to Dutch Harbor, where he received surgery to save his leg from 
amputation. Eventually sent to a naval hospital in California, Mr. 
Prior was discharged in 1943 from the Navy because of the severity of 
his wounds.
  Madam Speaker, soldiers like William W. Prior, Sr. should be 
recognized for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and 
sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Prior with his long 
overdue Purple Heart. His family, friends and loved ones should know 
that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

                          ____________________