[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN V. SCANLAN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to share with my 
colleagues a letter I have written to a family in Kentucky that is 
going to have a very special ceremony. Tomorrow, February 27, in 
Louisville, KY, the family of 1LT John V. Scanlan will receive on his 
behalf the Prisoner of War Medal.
  Lieutenant Scanlan, of Louisville, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 
in World War II and was lost in 1945 when he was shot down over Japan. 
Now, more than 60 years later, he will be honored for the full extent 
of his valiant service to this Nation.
  So I ask my colleagues to join me in sending our thoughts and prayers 
to the family of 1LT John V. Scanlan on their very important day. We 
must let them know that their sacrifice will always be revered by our 
Nation.
  Mr. President, the letter reads as follows:

       Dear Catherine Wiggins and members of the Scanlan family,
       It is never too late to honor bravery and sacrifice. That's 
     why you have my respect and gratitude today as you accept the 
     Prisoner of War Medal for First Lieutenant John V. Scanlan.
       On June 23, 1945, Lieutenant Scanlan climbed aboard his P-
     51 Mustang aircraft and set out from Iwo Jima for what would 
     be his final mission. Only later would his family learn about 
     that mission's terrible end. I cannot imagine your family's 
     horror at learning what happened to a good and brave man at 
     the hands of the enemy.
       And yet that was not the end of your family's service to 
     America. John's two brothers also wore their country's 
     uniform. One of them, Colonel Joseph William Scanlan of the 
     U.S. Air Force, was a career officer who raised his family 
     all over the world. And his daughter Catherine remembers the 
     trips to Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day, when her father 
     would tell her about the Uncle Jack she never knew.
       Those who receive the Prisoner of War Medal set an example 
     of courage and patriotism that inspires us all. Through 
     unspeakable conditions, they uphold their oath to defend 
     America with honor and dignity. You have always known of 
     Lieutenant Scanlan's heroism from stories passed down through 
     generations. With this ceremony, his fellow citizens will 
     know it too.
       First Lieutenant John V. Scanlan flies a different mission 
     now. He served his country with pride, and has earned his 
     well-deserved peace. Our nation cannot be grateful enough for 
     his immense sacrifice. May God bless him, and may He continue 
     to bless your wonderful family.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Mitch McConnell,
     United States Senate.

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