[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 3, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H2912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING ARMY FIRST LIEUTENANT NICOLAS ESLINGER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Olson) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
introduce my colleagues and the Nation to a constituent of the 22nd 
District and a true American hero.
  His name is Army First Lieutenant Nicholas Eslinger, ``Nick,'' from 
the great town of Missouri City, Texas, and his actions on the 
battlefield of Iraq are nothing short of extraordinary. While serving 
as a platoon leader during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Samarra during a 
dismounted patrol, First Lieutenant Eslinger and his men were attacked. 
When the enemy threw a grenade at his men, Lieutenant Eslinger didn't 
dive for cover, he dove at the grenade, picked it up, and, like a Nolan 
Ryan fastball, threw it back at the enemy.
  While his quick reaction saved the lives of his men, Lieutenant 
Eslinger wasn't finished. Like a true Texan, he took off after the 
enemy combatant, eventually leading to the enemy combatant's arrest and 
detention. For his quick thinking and courageous action, Lieutenant 
Eslinger was awarded our country's second highest combat award, the 
Silver Star.
  This past Saturday I had the privilege and the opportunity to visit 
Nick, along with his mother Donna, his father Bruce, his brother Danny, 
and many neighbors and friends at their home in Missouri City. Before 
leaving, Lieutenant Eslinger gave me a unit medallion of the Charlie 
Company, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne, 
commonly referred to as ``No Slack.'' It is something I am honored to 
have received and something I will carry with me with pride for the 
rest of my life.
  Yesterday my State celebrated the 173rd anniversary of the Texas 
Declaration of Independence. Early in our fight for independence, at 
the Battle of Gonzalez, the Mexican army tried to seize the town's only 
cannon. The volunteers of Gonzalez, facing a much larger professional 
military force, might have been smart to hand over that cannon. 
Instead, they raised a flag that said ``Come and Take It.'' In 
Lieutenant Eslinger's brave actions, I see the same spirit of defiance 
in the face of violence and the refusal to be intimidated that helped 
my State to achieve its independence.
  Among thousands of other men and women who make sacrifices and 
perform courageous deeds for their country, perhaps some at this very 
moment, Lieutenant Eslinger's actions are worthy of special 
recognition, and I am proud to do so today.
  Nick, thank you for the coin. Thank you for your service. God bless 
you and your family.

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